Unpaid carers across Scotland are being reminded they may qualify for an extra £293.50 payment through the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, in addition to claiming Carer Support Payment.
This payment, unique to Scotland, recognises the essential role unpaid carers play in supporting family, friends, or neighbours with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
The extra cash boost is part of Social Security Scotland’s devolved benefits system, which ensures carers receive additional support and recognition for their vital contribution.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement – The Extra £293 Boost
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement was introduced in 2018 as the first devolved benefit in Scotland. It is paid twice a year, in June and December, directly into carers’ bank accounts.
- Each payment is worth £293.50.
- Across the year, this totals £587 in extra support.
- More than 90,000 carers received the June 2025 payment, with the next due in mid-December.
This means carers could receive up to £4,475 annually when combining Carer Support Payment with the additional supplement. Importantly, the supplement is paid automatically to those who qualify—there is no need to apply separately.
Carer Support Payment – The Devolved Equivalent
The Carer Support Payment is Scotland’s replacement for Carer’s Allowance, offering carers £83.30 per week for providing at least 35 hours of unpaid care. Payments are issued every four weeks, totalling £333.20 each pay period.
The earnings limit for eligibility is £196 per week, equal to about 16 hours at the National Minimum Wage.
Eligibility for Carer Support Payment
You may qualify if you:
- Are 16 or over
- Live in Scotland
- Provide 35 hours or more unpaid care per week
- Earn less than £196 a week after tax and expenses
- Care for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit such as:
- Adult Disability Payment (daily living component)
- Child Disability Payment (middle or highest care rate)
- Attendance Allowance
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Personal Independence Payment (daily living component)
- Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate)
What the Extra Payment Means for Carers
| Benefit | Amount | Frequency | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carer Support Payment | £83.30 per week | Every 4 weeks (£333.20) | £4,331 |
| Carer’s Allowance Supplement | £293.50 | Twice a year | £587 |
| Total Potential Support | £4,918 annually |
This additional funding provides crucial help with bills, transport, food, or other essentials, giving carers greater financial security.
Why This Support Matters
Unpaid carers play a critical role, often balancing employment, studies, or family responsibilities while providing daily support.
Many carers provide round-the-clock assistance with personal care, mobility, medicines, meals, and mental health support.
The devolved benefits system in Scotland aims to deliver fairness, dignity, and respect, ensuring that carers are better supported financially.
Unpaid carers in Scotland provide an invaluable service, and now they can benefit from Carer Support Payment plus the £293.50 Carer’s Allowance Supplement paid twice yearly.
Together, these payments could add up to nearly £5,000 a year, easing the financial burden while recognising the essential role carers play in society.
If you are an unpaid carer, it’s important to check your eligibility and ensure you’re receiving the support you deserve.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
No, the supplement is paid automatically to eligible carers who receive Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying dates.
How often will I receive the £293.50 payment?
It is issued twice a year—once in June and once in December, giving carers an annual boost of £587.
Can I claim Carer Support Payment if I care for more than one person?
You can only claim for one person at a time, but new changes are being discussed to expand extra support for those caring for multiple people.