Young Carer Grant pays out more than £860k since launch

Figures released today, which coincide with Young Carers Action Day, reveal that The Scottish Government has paid out more than £860,000 to eligible young carers since The Young Carer Grant opened in October 2019.

Over 2,900 applications have been authorised to support young people aged 16, 17 and 18 who spend an average of 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.

The Young Carer Grant is an annual payment of £305.10 made to young carers to spend on anything they like, for example, a subscription to a video or music streaming service, new clothes or something else that helps them take a break from their caring responsibilities. Young carers who have previously received the Grant and still meet the eligibility criteria can re-apply 12 months from the date of their previous successful application.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Security Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“Young carers play a vital role across our society. It is fantastic that so many have received this financial support since the benefit was introduced.

“People may not realise what they do at home is caring – you could see it as just part of your day to day life. It is true all year round but it is worth emphasising again on Young Carers Action Day that people should check if they are entitled to The Young Carer Grant.

”I encourage young people who help someone that receives disability support to check if they could get this additional financial support.”

Background

• Young carers can combine the hours they spend caring for up to three eligible people in order to reach the 16 hours a week requirement
• To find out more and apply people should visit mygov.scot/benefits or call 0800 182 2222
• The statistics cover the period of 21 October 2019 – 31 January 2021
• December 2020 and January 2021 had the highest number of successful applications since the payment began, with 335 and 325 authorised respectively.
• The person or people the young person is caring for must have received one or more of the following benefits for at least the last three months:
  • the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • the middle or highest care rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) including Child Disability Living Allowance
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Constant Attendance Allowance - either: Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (at or above the normal maximum rate), or War Disablement Pension (at the basic rate)