Did you know you may be eligible for these benefits, discounts, and grants? 

As a carer, there are various benefits you may be able to apply for that support you with your caring role and/or your specific needs. We know how overwhelming it can be to comb through all the possible options and then go through the application process. This is why we are working in partnership with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to provide welfare benefits advice and support to carers in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire. We would encourage you to call or email us to request an appointment with a CAB Benefits Advisor.  

There are multiple benefits available through Social Security Scotland. We picked 2 main areas to focus on in this article, which are Disability Benefits and Carer Benefits. Social Security Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government, managing and delivering several benefits that have been devolved to the Scottish Government. If you’d like to find out what other benefits are available via Social Security Scotland, please visit their website https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/benefits. 

Benefits through Social Security Scotland 

1. Disability Benefits 

• Adult Disability Payment  

Adult Disability Payment replaces Personal Independence Payment in Scotland. This money is intended to help people with a long-term illness or a disability affecting their everyday lives. It has two parts, Daily Living and Mobility, and you may qualify for both depending on your circumstances. The amount you receive per week will depend on how your condition impacts your abilities to get around and carry out daily activities, and whether you are eligible for one or both parts. Importantly, your income and savings will not impact how much you can get. For specifics, please visit: https://www.mygov.scot/adult-disability-payment 

• Child Disability Payment  

Child Disability Payment replaces Child Disability Living Allowance. This benefit may help you cover the costs of caring for a child with a mental or physical disability. You can apply for a child under 16, but a diagnosis is not necessary. You may still contact Social Security Scotland and explain to them about your child’s condition, the symptoms they may have, and how they are affected. You can receive the payment until your child turns 18, and in certain cases, the payment may continue beyond 18. For more information, please visit: https://www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment  

• Pension Age Disability Payment  

Pension Age Disability replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland. If you have reached pension age and you have care needs due to disability or a long-term health condition, you are eligible for this benefit. How much you can get depends on your care needs. The amount can vary from £73.90 to £110.40 per week, and your income and savings won’t affect how much you’ll receive. Please note that if you already get Adult Disability Payment, when you reach pension age, you will remain on Adult Disability Payment.  

For more details, please visit: https://www.mygov.scot/pension-age-disability-payment 

If you or the person you care for has been diagnosed with terminal illness and you live in Scotland, you can still apply for disability benefits under Special Rules for Terminal Illness. To find out more, please visit: https://www.mygov.scot/terminal-illness 

2. Carer Benefits 

• Carer Support Payment 

Carer Support Payment has now replaced Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. If you are eligible, you can get paid £83.30 a week. 

You must: 

• Be over 16 

• Live in the area where the benefit is available 

• Provide care for at least 35 hours per week 

• Not earn more than £196 per week on average after some deductions 

• Provide care for someone who is getting certain disability benefits 

For more information, please visit https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment/who-can-apply. 

• Young Carer Grant 

Young Carer Grant is a flat rate payment of £390.25 paid once a year to young carers in Scotland, acknowledging their role as carers. To be eligible, you must be 16, 17, or 18 years old. Applicants can apply each year they are eligible up until they turn 19. The payment increases with inflation each year. 

When applying, you must also have been caring for 1, 2, or 3 people for an average of 16 hours a week for at least the last 3 months. If you care for more than one person, you can combine the hours. To find out more, please visit: https://www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant/how-to-apply 

Council Tax Discount for Voluntary Care Workers 

Additionally, besides benefits from Social Security Scotland, you may be able to receive a council tax discount if you meet the following criteria: 

• You are providing care for at least 35 hours per week 

• The person you care for is not your partner or your child under 18 

• You must live on the same property as the person requiring your care 

• The person you care for must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit 

You can find the Council Tax relief claim form on their website https://www.falkirk.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-discount-exemptions-additional-charges under the heading ‘Voluntary care workers’