Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland)

If you live in Scotland and receive Carer’s Allowance, you may be able to get an extra payment called the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

If you're not sure which benefits you're entitled to, read our information on benefits for people affected by terminal illness or try our benefits calculator.

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What is Carer's Allowance Supplement?

If you're looking after someone with a disability or illness, including a terminal illness, you may be getting Carer's Allowance. Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment on top of Carer's Allowance for people who live in Scotland. It's paid twice a year by Social Security Scotland.

It is a temporary payment until Carer's Allowance is replaced by a new Scottish benefit (Carer's Assistance). Carer's Allowance Supplement has been introduced to quickly increase the amount of Carer's Allowance paid to carers in Scotland.

Can I claim Carer's Allowance Supplement?

To get Carer's Allowance Supplement, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must live in Scotland on a particular date or have a genuine and sufficient link to Scotland. Read about what this means on mygov.scot.  
• You must be getting Carer's Allowance.

It cannot be paid to carers who do not receive Carer's Allowance but instead have an underlying entitlement. An underlying entitlement is where you are eligible for Carer's Allowance but cannot receive it, because you're getting another benefit at a higher rate.

The person you care for does not have to live in Scotland for you to get Carer's Allowance Supplement.

How much is Carer's Allowance Supplement?

Carer's Allowance Supplement in 2024 is £288.60 – this is paid twice a year.

• The first payment will be in June 2024. You'll get this if you were eligible for Carer's Allowance on 8 April 2024.
• The second payment is in December 2024. You'll get this if you're getting Carer's Allowance on 7 October 2024.

It does not matter how much Carer's Allowance you get – the amount of Carer's Allowance Supplement is the same.

If you're due to be paid Carer's Allowance Supplement, you'll get a letter from Social Security Scotland before you receive it.

How do I claim Carer's Allowance Supplement?

You do not need to make a claim for Carer's Allowance Supplement. If you are eligible, you will be paid it automatically.

Carer's Allowance Supplement and other benefits

Carer's Allowance Supplement will not affect your other benefits or tax credits. You do not need to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or your local council about this payment.

You may have to pay income tax on your Carer's Allowance Supplement. Most people do not pay tax if their income is under £12,570 a year. If your income is over this amount, tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about this payment. Visit GOV.UK to find how to contact HMRC about changes to your income.  

If you have a partner, their income does not affect whether you have to pay tax on Carer's Allowance Supplement.

Who do I contact about Carer's Allowance Supplement?

For more information about Carer's Allowance Supplement, contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. You can also contact them on web chat via mygov.scot.  

For information on Carer's Allowance, contact the Carer's Allowance Unit: call 0800 731 0297, textphone 0800 731 0317, Relay UK 18001 then 0800 731 0297, or visit GOV.UK   to access the British Sign Language video relay service.

Where can I get more help?

Some benefits can affect the other benefits that you or the person you care for get, so it's important you have the right information and advice. Here are some organisations that can provide further support:

• Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 provides general information about benefits and finances.
• Citizens Advice   has trained advisers you can speak to and provides information on your rights, including benefits, housing, employment, debt, consumer and legal issues. Search the site for your nearest bureau in Scotland.
• Carers Scotland   provide expert advice, information and support to carers.
• Turn2us   has a search function to find benefits advisers in your area, and provides people with financial support and information on benefits and grants.
• Macmillan Cancer Support   has welfare rights advisers you can speak to, and provides practical, medical and financial support for people affected by cancer.

Here at Marie Curie we cannot provide information about your specific benefit claim. For all queries about claims, you'll need to contact the relevant government department.

See our list of useful organisations for more places to go for benefits advice and information.