The Scottish Government has successfully completed the transfer of around 118,000 unpaid carers previously receiving Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to the new Carer Support Payment administered by Social Security Scotland. This initiative, which began its phased rollout in November 2023, represents a significant step in Scotland’s ongoing effort to build a welfare system based on dignity, fairness, and respect. Since its establishment in 2018, Social Security Scotland has aimed to provide fairer and more accessible financial assistance to carers across the nation.

Scotland already offers distinctive support for unpaid carers through exclusive payments such as the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, which provides up to £587 annually, and the Young Carer Grant, offering over £390 each year to carers aged 16 to 18. Notably, eligibility for the Carer Support Payment has been broadened, now extending to those in full-time education, an inclusion that ensures more young carers can access the help they need while studying.

Further enhancements to carer benefits are expected within the next six months. Planned changes include extending the Young Carer Grant to age 19 and introducing a new payment of up to £520 per year for individuals caring for more than one person. Additionally, the bereavement support period will increase from 8 to 12 weeks, giving carers a longer window of financial stability following the loss of the person they care for. These adjustments reflect a more compassionate and flexible welfare approach.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville reaffirmed the government’s commitment, stating: “We are supporting over 126,000 unpaid carers in Scotland through devolved carer benefits, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving social security, under a kinder system that treats people with dignity and respect.” She emphasized that transferring carers to the Carer Support Payment laid the groundwork for further positive change, acknowledging carers’ indispensable role within Scottish communities.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, a new integrated benefit system titled Carer Support will be launched from March 2025. This will combine three core components:

1. Carer Support Payment, replacing the DWP’s Carer’s Allowance and offering £83.30 per week.

2. Scottish Carer Supplement, a new £11.29 weekly payment (replacing the previous lump-sum supplement) for eligible recipients.

3. Carer Additional Person Payment, an annual £520 allowance, paid weekly, for carers supporting more than one individual.

According to the official Scottish Government consultation, carers could qualify for multiple Additional Person Payments if responsible for the care of multiple people. These reforms are designed to simplify the system, promote fairness, and increase regular financial stability for Scotland’s unpaid carers.

Further reforms include extending the Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds beginning November 2025 and lengthening the eligibility period for Carer Support after bereavement to 12 weeks. The government also plans to remove the minimum care duration requirement for continued benefit eligibility, ensuring carers who take temporary breaks remain supported. The complete details are outlined in the Carer’s Assistance (Miscellaneous and Consequential Amendments, Revocation, Transitional and Saving Provisions) (Scotland) Regulations 2025, which provide the legislative framework for these new measures.

With these changes, Scotland’s carer benefits system moves closer to a more equitable and person-centered model — one that not only uplifts carers financially but also recognizes their essential role in the social fabric of the nation.