If you’re an unpaid carer in Scotland, there’s some good news. The Scottish Government has introduced a brand-new benefit called the Carer Support Payment (CSP). It gives eligible carers £327 every four weeks—designed to ease the financial pressure on those dedicating their time to care for someone with a disability, illness, or long-term condition. Whether you’re currently receiving Carer’s Allowance or just stepping into a caring role, this payment could make a real difference.
Let’s break down how it works, who can apply, and what other support is available for unpaid carers across Scotland.
Overview
The Carer Support Payment is a social security benefit aimed at recognizing and rewarding the unpaid work carers do. Replacing Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, it gives carers a slightly better financial safety net. With this new scheme, the payment of £327 every four weeks offers more consistent and meaningful support compared to the old weekly allowance of £67.60.
This isn’t just about money—it’s about valuing the commitment carers make, often sacrificing job opportunities, social life, and even their own health to look after someone else.
Eligibility
So, who qualifies for this benefit? The rules are pretty straightforward but important to get right.
- You must be 16 or older.
- You must care for someone at least 35 hours each week.
- The person you care for must receive one of the following:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Your earnings (after certain deductions) must be under £151 per week.
That 35 hours can include things like helping someone get dressed, preparing meals, giving medication, or even just being there for emotional support. It’s not just physical care that counts—it’s emotional labour too.
Application
Getting the Carer Support Payment is meant to be as stress-free as possible. You’ve got two ways to apply: online through the official Scottish Government website or by requesting a paper form.
If you’re already receiving Carer’s Allowance, don’t worry—you’ll be moved over to the new payment system automatically by Spring 2025. No need to reapply.
And if you’re unsure about anything, local carer advisers are available to help guide you through the application.
Benefits
Let’s talk about the impact this can have. Imagine someone like Anna, a full-time carer for her brother who has cerebral palsy. She’s providing over 40 hours of care every week but struggling to make ends meet with a part-time job. The Carer Support Payment now gives her an extra £327 a month, helping cover transport, medication, and giving her some breathing room financially.
It’s not life-changing money—but it’s enough to take some pressure off and make things just a bit easier.
Support
The Carer Support Payment is only part of a larger support network available in Scotland. Here are a few additional options carers should know about:
| Support Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Carer’s Rights Advice | Guidance on your legal entitlements. |
| Respite Care | Temporary care so you can take a break. |
| Carer’s Allowance Supplement | A top-up paid twice a year to those on Carer’s Allowance. |
| Peer Support & Training | Skills training and support groups. |
You don’t have to do this alone—these resources can offer a mix of emotional, practical, and financial help.
Comparison
How does this stack up against what carers get in the rest of the UK? Pretty well, actually. Carer’s Allowance in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is £67.60 a week. That’s less than what Scotland now offers under the CSP scheme.
Scotland is also more generous with support services, including free training, advice, and respite care—all of which are crucial when you’re balancing caregiving with everything else in life.
The Carer’s Credit is still available UK-wide, helping unpaid carers build up National Insurance credits for their pension. But Scotland’s new approach shows a growing commitment to really supporting its unpaid carers in a meaningful way.
The Carer Support Payment isn’t just about money—it’s a step toward acknowledging the real value of unpaid care. If you’re a carer, or you know someone who is, it’s definitely worth checking if you or they qualify.
FAQs
Who is eligible for CSP?
Anyone 16+ providing 35+ hours of care weekly in Scotland.
How much is the payment?
It’s £327 every four weeks for eligible unpaid carers.
Do I need to reapply if on Carer’s Allowance?
No, you’ll be transitioned automatically by Spring 2025.
Can I apply online for CSP?
Yes, you can apply online or via a paper form.
Is respite care available?
Yes, local authorities offer respite care for carers.
