Carer Support Payment

For the full information on who is eligible for Carer Support Payment and how to apply, please visit the Scottish Government website.

Scottish Government website

Carers Allowance (CA) is a benefit paid to carers by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). It is paid at £81.90 per week. 

In Scotland, this is currently being replaced by a new benefit called Carer Support Payment (CSP), which will be paid by Social Security Scotland – also at £81.90 per week. 

It has already been rolled out across many areas in Scotland. In the remaining areas, including Edinburgh and Midlothian, the process will be completed by spring 2025. If you already get Carer’s Allowance and live in Scotland, you do not need to apply for Carer Support Payment. Your benefit will be transferred automatically. 

Eligibility criteria for Carer Support Payment 

  • You are age 16 or over 
  • You usually live in Scotland (if you have recently moved to Scotland, you may still be eligible, for example if you have refugee status or the person you care for has a terminal illness) 
  • You provide care for 35 hours per week or more 
  • You do not earn above the threshold of £151 per week, after deductions (National Insurance, tax and expenses) 
  • The person you care for receives a qualifying benefit 
  • Some students are eligible for CSP (whereas they are not eligible for CA) – see the full list of eligible students on the Child Poverty Action Group website 

Qualifying benefits received by the cared-for person 

  • Adult Disability Payment (daily living component) 
  • Child Disability Payment (middle or highest care rate) 
  • Pension Age Disability Payment 
  • Attendance Allowance 
  • Personal Independence Payment (daily living component) 
  • Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate) 
  • Constant Attendance Allowance at or above normal maximum rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit 
  • Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension 
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment 

The meaning of “providing care” 

  • Helping with dressing, washing, cooking or taking medications 
  • Taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment  
  • Helping with household tasks, like managing bills, shopping or translating important documents (if English is not the first language of the person you care for) 
  • Spending time with the person you care for  
  • Providing social and emotional support 
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