We have received notification from the Scottish Government that carers in receipt of Carers’ Allowance will begin receiving top-up payments from Thurs 13 September.

The top-up payments are for carers in Scotland to take the level of Carers’ Allowance to the same as Jobseekers Allowance, and will be paid twice a year until the new Scottish Social Security system is in place.

Here is the full statement issued on behalf of Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Anne Somerville:
“As part of our work to develop a Scottish social security system based on dignity, fairness and respect I am delighted to let you know that eligible carers in Scotland will receive the first payments of the new Carer’s Allowance Supplement from Thursday 13 September.

In recognition of the important contribution carers make these payments will mean that people in Scotland, who were in receipt of Carer’s Allowance from the DWP on the qualifying date of Monday 16 April will receive a supplementary payment of £221. This payment will be issued automatically to eligible carers. There is no need for a form to be completed.

As this is the first payments Social Security Scotland will make we want to make sure these payments are paid safely and securely to people. For that reason we will issue payments over a phased period. The vast majority of payments will be made by the end of September, with more complex cases completed by Thursday 15 October. Payment will be made using the same method that people get their Carer’s Allowance from the DWP.

In advance of payments being issued, carers will receive a letter explaining the payment to them and a leaflet to introduce Social Security Scotland as the new Scottish Government agency that will deliver these payments. We expect people to start receiving their letters from the week beginning 10 September.

The letter will contain details of where people will be able to find information online and a Freephone telephone number should they wish to speak with someone about this payment.”

Find out more about Carers’ Allowance and how to apply here.