by Democrat reporter
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville told the Holyrood parliament on Thursday that Social Security Scotland will pay an extra £293.50 to more than 96,000 unpaid carers from 4 December.
She said that since its introduction in 2018, the carers allowance supplement has provided more than 1 million payments, delivering hundreds of millions of pounds to help to ease financial pressures and improve wellbeing.
Ms Somerville added: “The vast majority of carers receive the payment automatically, but anyone who has not received it by 15 December should contact Social Security Scotland.
“This year, eligible carers in Scotland will be £587 better off than those elsewhere in the UK, recognising the essential contribution that they make to communities right across the country.”
SNP MSP James Dornan pressed the Cabinet Secretary for more information.
He said: “Given that more than 96,000 carers were due that payment from 4 December, and recognising the significant contribution that unpaid carers make to our communities, will the cabinet secretary outline what further steps the Government is taking to widen support, particularly in light of the recent expansion of eligibility for the young carer grant?
“What advice is available to any carer who has not received their letter or payment by 15 December?”
Shirley-Anne Somerville replied: “Those who have not received their payment by 15 December should contact the agency for further details.
“Mr Dornan is quite right to point to the extended eligibility for the young carers grant, which, of course, is available only in Scotland and eligibility for which has been extended to the age of 19.
“I was delighted to talk to carers yesterday about the improvements in support from March 2026, as part of which those with multiple caring roles who receive carer support payment can be paid an extra £520 per year for every additional cared-for person through the carers additional person payment.
“Again, that is available only in Scotland, and it will provide extra support to around 18,000 carers in the next financial year.
“Moreover, from March 2026, carers will receive four more weeks of support when a caring role ends due to a bereavement, which will provide more stability at what is a very difficult time.”