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For you as a carer

Carer Support Payment

Scotland's weekly payment for unpaid carers — the same 35 hour/week rule as Carer's Allowance, delivered by Social Security Scotland with a small Scottish supplement on top.

£4,495 per yearEligibility wizard availableLast verified 24 April 2026

Who it helps

Unpaid carers aged 16 or over in Scotland who spend 35+ hours a week caring for someone on a qualifying disability benefit.

The full picture

Carer Support Payment is Scotland's replacement for Carer's Allowance. The rate, earnings limit, and 35-hour-per-week rule mirror the DWP benefit, but claims are made through Social Security Scotland and eligible carers also receive the Carer's Allowance Supplement twice a year on top. As with Carer's Allowance, the person you care for must already receive a qualifying disability benefit — in Scotland that includes Adult Disability Payment (daily living), Pension Age Disability Payment, or the DWP equivalents from before the transfer.

Worth knowing before you apply

  • Scottish replacement for DWP Carer's Allowance — existing claims have been transferred
  • Small Carer's Allowance Supplement paid automatically twice a year on top
  • Same 35-hour rule and £204/week earnings limit as Carer's Allowance
  • Only one person can claim per cared-for person

How to claim

Apply online at mygov.scot or by phone to Social Security Scotland. Decisions typically take 6–8 weeks. The Scottish Carer's Allowance Supplement is paid automatically in June and December.

Check my eligibilityApply at mygov.scot

Independent advice

More help is out there

If your situation is complex, these UK-wide charities and government services can give free, independent advice.

Last verified 24 April 2026
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