One million payments amounting to £280m paid to Scottish carers since allowance supplement was introduced

A benefit only available in Scotland has delivered payments amounting to £280m to unpaid carers, new figures show.

The amount has been paid to over 150,000 carers since the Carer’s Allowance Supplement was introduced in September 2018.

The benefit, one of seven available only in Scotland, was created to recognise the vital role of unpaid carers.

Eligible carers get payments twice a year, normally in June and December. In the 2023-2024 financial year each payment was £270.50.

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid automatically to people who are getting a Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment on a particular date.

The Carer Support Payment, paid by Social Security Scotland, was introduced in three local authority areas in November last year.

It is replacing the Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions in Scotland and will be rolled out across the country in Autumn 2024.

Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Unpaid carers make a significant contribution to society, often at the expense of their own health and wellbeing. The Scottish Government introduced Carer’s Allowance Supplement to recognise this contribution.

“I am pleased we have now made our one millionth payment and have given carers in Scotland almost £280m of additional support.

“Carer’s Allowance Supplement is part of our wider package of support including Carer Support Payment and Young Carer Grant – another Scotland-only benefit.

“The Scottish Government recognise the pressure the cost of living crisis has placed on household budgets which is why we are continuing to allocate around £3bn a year to policies that tackle poverty and protect people as far as possible.

“This puts more money into the pockets of families who need it, which in turn is good for the economy.”