New payments for carers will start from this month

Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson has welcomed the news that carers in North Lanarkshire will receive the first payments of the new Carer's Allowance Supplement this month and they will be back-dated to April. Â
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare AdamsonMotherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson

This new benefit will be paid twice a year by Social Security Scotland, the first major new public service to be created since devolution. 

Eligible carers will get a supplementary payment of £221, equivalent of an extra £8.50 per week, an increase of 13 per cent on Carer’s Allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions.

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The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is worth more than £30 million a year and will benefit 6308 people in North Lanarkshire.

Carers are receiving letters from Social Security Scotland from this week so that they know in advance to expect a payment.

Ms Adamson said: “This roll out of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement marks the beginning of a bright new chapter in Scottish public service. 

“The SNP is committed to delivering a fairer system for social security: one that affords carers the dignity and respect they are due as a result of their selfless dedication.

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“We appreciate the contribution carers make to our society and we have always advocated that Carer’s Allowance should be the same rate as Jobseeker’s Allowance. 

“It follows that the new powers over social security mean that we can make this a reality and put more money into the pockets of carers as a thank you for their tireless efforts.”

There is more information on how to contact Social Security Scotland and Carer’s Allowance Supplement eligibility and payments available by visiting www.mygov.scot.