Carer Support Payment (Scotland) - How much Carer Support Payment will I get?

Carer Support Payment is money that you can spend as you want. The weekly rate is £81.90. 

Even if you don't receive a payment of Carer Support Payment due to overlapping benefit rules, entitlement to it allows you to get an extra amount, called 'Carer's Premium or Addition', as part of other benefits, so you should still make a claim. Carer's Premiums/Additions can be added to or taken into account for: 

• Income Support 
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance 
• Housing Benefit (England, Wales, Scotland)/Housing Benefit (Northern Ireland) 
• Council Tax Support 
• Pension Credit 
• Universal Credit 

If you receive Carer Support Payment, you also qualify for a Christmas Bonus each year (unless you get one with another benefit). This is usually £10. You do not need to make a claim for the bonus. It is paid automatically. It does not affect any other benefits you might get. 

Benefit Cap 

If you or your partner qualify for Carer Support Payment, you are exempt from the Benefit Cap.

See our Benefit Cap guide for more details. 

How will I be paid Carer Support Payment? 

Carer Support Payment is normally paid every 4 weeks, at the end of the 4 weeks.

It will be paid directly into your bank account or building society account. If you don't have a bank account, Social Security Scotland will contact you about payment options after you apply. 

Carer Support Payment and other benefits

Carer Support Payment (after tax) counts in full as income when calculating your entitlement to other means-tested benefits .

In some cases, you may meet the conditions for both Carer Support Payment and another benefit, such as State Pension or contributory Employment and Support Allowance. As these benefits overlap, you may not receive a payment of Carer Support Payment, even though you would if it weren't for the other benefit you receive. However, it's still worth to apply for Carer Support Payment even if you don't receive a payment, as you can get a Carer's Premium/Additional amount included in your  means-tested benefit .

If the other benefit you receive is worth less than Carer Support Payment, your other benefit can be 'topped up' to the current rate of Carer Support Payment so you don't lose out. The rules about overlapping benefits are complicated and you may need to get advice about this from an expert benefits adviser.

Carer's Allowance Supplement 

People living in Scotland, who are receiving Carer's Allowance could also get an extra payment known as Carer's Allowance Supplement.  

From 2024, carers who get Carer Support Payment will also get Carer's Allowance Supplement. You do not need to apply for it.

Find more information about Carer's Allowance Supplement