by Democrat reporter
Carers in West Dunbartonshire are set to receive a financial boost in time for Christmas.
Each eligible carer will receive £293.50, offering a significant boost ahead of the festive season.
Introduced by Social Security Scotland in 2018, the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
It supports those who receive the Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying dates.
Karyn Dunning, the deputy director for low-income benefits at Social Security Scotland, said: “As one of the first payments introduced by Social Security Scotland in 2018, I’m proud of the difference that Carer’s Allowance Supplement has made for carers across the country.
“The money can be used for anything, from spending it on a hobby to taking a short break.”
Carers who are due to receive the payment will get a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made.
If a carer is eligible for the December payment but has not received a letter or payment by December 15, they should contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Paul Traynor, head of external affairs at Carers Trust Scotland, said: “Since its introduction, Carer’s Allowance Supplement has provided vital additional support to unpaid carers in Scotland, helping to recognise the invaluable contribution they make to their cared for people and communities.
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid automatically, without the need to apply.
It is available to eligible unpaid carers who are paid the Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying dates.
Carers who have a genuine and sufficient link to Scotland but live outside the UK in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or Gibraltar may also be eligible.
As of September 30, 2025, a total of 96,495 people were in receipt of the Carer Support Payment.
The Carer Support Payment was introduced in November 2023 to replace the Carer’s Allowance delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
In October this year, around 118,000 unpaid carers who were receiving the Carer’s Allowance had their benefit awards transferred to the Carer Support Payment by Social Security Scotland.
A series of improvements are being made to social security support for carers.
The Young Carer Grant has been extended to eligible young carers aged 19, benefiting an additional 1200 carers and allowing young carers to receive up to four payments from the age of 16.
Further information about financial support for carers can be found at mygov.scot/carers.
Details about other forms of support for carers, such as wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you’re a carer on mygov.scot.