Did you know you may be eligible for these benefits, discounts, and grants?ย
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.ย ย
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 youโd like to find out what other benefits are available via Social Security Scotland, please visit their website https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/benefits.ย
Benefits through Social Security Scotlandย
1. Disability Benefitsย
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-paymentย
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 childโs 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-paymentย ย
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 ยฃ73.90 to ยฃ110.40 per week, and your income and savings wonโt affect how much youโll receive. Please note that if you already get Adult Disability Payment, when you reach pension age, you will remain on Adult Disability Payment.ย ย
For more details, please visit: https://www.mygov.scot/pension-age-disability-paymentย
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-illnessย
2. Carer Benefitsย
- Carer Support Paymentย
Carer Support Payment has now replaced Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. If you are eligible, you can get paid ยฃ83.30 a week.ย
You must:ย
- Be over 16ย
- Live in the area where the benefit is availableย
- Provide care for at least 35 hours per weekย
- Not earn more than ยฃ196 per week on average after some deductionsย
- Provide care for someone who is getting certain disability benefitsย
For more information, please visit https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment/who-can-apply.ย
- Young Carer Grantย
Young Carer Grant is a flat rate payment of ยฃ390.25โฏpaid 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.ย
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-applyย
Council Tax Discount for Voluntary Care Workersย
Additionally, besides benefits from Social Security Scotland, you may be able to receive a council tax discount if you meet the following criteria:ย
- You are providing care for at least 35 hours per weekย
- The person you care for is not your partner or your child under 18ย
- You must live on the same property as the person requiring your careย
- The person you care for must be in receipt of a qualifying benefitย
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 โVoluntary care workersโย ย
