Increased support for carers - Changes to enhance offer for carers

11th December 2025

People who care for more than one disabled person may be eligible for a new Scotland-only payment.

Carer Additional Person Payment, worth up to £520 a year, will be available from March 2026.

Carers may be eligible for more than one Carer Additional Person Payment if they are caring for more than one additional person.

This is the latest in a series of improvements being made to support for carers from Social Security Scotland, which will come into effect in March. The time Carer Support Payment is paid following the death of the cared-for person will also be extended from 8 to 12 weeks, while Carer's Allowance Supplement will be replaced by Scottish Carer Supplement which will be paid weekly alongside Carer Support Payment rather than in two annual payments as it is currently - meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "We're making changes to benefits for carers to recognise the important contribution they make and to help ease some of the pressures that can come with a caring role.

“Scotland’s carers are better off than anywhere else in the UK, and the upcoming improvements will make sure that this remains the case."

The Cabinet Secretary met with a group of carers from Lanarkshire Carers in Hamilton to mark the December payment of Carer's Allowance Supplement and upcoming changes to social security support.

Barbara McAuley, Chief Executive Officer at Lanarkshire Carers said: "We were delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to Lanarkshire Carers Centre for an engaging visit with carers and staff.

"During the session, the Cabinet Secretary listened to carers' experiences and participated in meaningful discussions on key issues, including social security benefits, working carers, older carers and carers' rights.

"We are grateful for this chance to ensure carers' voices are heard at the highest level."

From March 2026, in addition to Carer Support Payment, eligible carers will be able to receive:

Scottish Carer Supplement – replaces Carer’s Allowance Supplement for carers in receipt of Carer Support Payment, an extra, more regular payment for carers which replaces Carer’s Allowance supplement for carers in receipt of Carer Support Payment (£11.29 per week).

Carer Additional Person Payment – an extra payment of £520 per year, paid weekly, available to people caring for more than one person. Carers may be eligible for more than one Carer Additional Person Payment if they are caring for more than one additional person.

The switch from Carer’s Allowance Supplement to Scottish Carer Supplement will happen automatically for current recipients. Information on accessing the Carer Additional Person Payment will be provided in the new year.

In November, Young Carer Grant was extended to include 19-year-olds – potentially benefiting an additional 1,200 carers next year and allowing young carers to get up to four payments from the age of 16.

Over 95,000 carers received Carer’s Allowance Supplement in December with a payment of £293.50.