£327/Month DWP Unpaid Care Payment: On November 4, 2024, the Carer Support Payment which is a new financial benefit for unpaid caregivers in Scotland will go live nationally. This payment, which is being handled by Social Security Scotland, will take the place of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) present Carer’s Allowance benefit.
This help will be available to caregivers who give a family member, friend, or neighbour with a disability or chronic disease at least 35 hours of unpaid care every week. The weekly payout of £81.90, or £327.60 every four weeks, provides more financial support than the £76.75 weekly Carer’s Allowance that was previously in place.
Goals of the Program
- The goal of the Scottish government’s move to consolidate this benefit’s administration under Social Security Scotland is to improve caregiver accessibility and support.
- In many local regions, the rollout has already started, and in November, it will cover the entire nation.
- Crucially, caregivers who are presently receiving Carer’s Allowance will seamlessly switch to the new benefit, guaranteeing assistance continuity throughout this transitional period.
Updated Monthly Payment of £327
Once completely implemented, this new benefit will cover the whole of Scotland. It will be phased in over time. Several council regions have already seen its launch, and by November 4 it will be accessible across the country.Carers across the Scotland will be able to apply from November 4, 2024 for this new benefit.
Hereare complete details and key features of this new benefit:
| Features | Carer Support Payment | Carer’s Allowance |
| Per Week Payment Amount | £81.90 | £76.75 |
| Per Month Payment Amount | £327.60 (paid on every 4th week) | £307 (paid every 4th week) |
| Duration of Care Requirement | At least 35 hours weekly | At least 35 hours weekly |
| Administered By | Social Security Scotland | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) |
| Eligibility Requirements for Students | Available to more student carers (including 16 years to 19 years old in full-time non-advanced courses) | Limited eligibility for students |
Know about Places Where Carer Support Payment Available
Here is a list of the areas where Carer Support Payment has already available, so you have to check it.
- Perth & Kinross
- Dundee City
- Na h-EileananSiar (Western Isles)
- North and South Lanarkshire
- Angus
- Fife
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
- North, East, and South Ayrshire
Required Eligibility and Application Process
Because the benefit is not means-tested, it is not reliant on the caregiver’s earnings or savings. Important qualifying factors consist of:
- A family member, friend, or neighbour who has a disability or chronic illness must receive unpaid care from the caregiver for at least 35 hours weekly in order to be eligible for the Carer Support Payment.
- A qualifying disability payment, such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), must be provided to the person receiving care.
- Those who are 16 years to 19 years old and taking full-time non-advanced courses, like secondary school are also qualified to apply.
- If a caregiver was eligible when the Carer Support Payment was initially launched in November 2023, they may also have their benefits retroactively awarded to them if they are full-time students.
