Carer's Allowance Suppliment
Carer’s Allowance Supplement
Social Security Scotland has created an extra payment for carers to assist them in their caring duties.
While Carer’s Allowance is administered by the Department of Work and Pensions, Carer’s Allowance Supplement is delivered by Social Security Scotland.
This guide shall discuss the fundamental information that you need to know about Carer’s Allowance Supplement. From the qualifying criteria required through to the documentation that you may be required to present to support your application.
What is Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an additional payment for carers that is paid twice a year on specific qualifying dates.
This year Carer’s Allowance Supplements are worth £270.50 each and are paid between June 2023 and December 2023.
What is the Qualifying Criteria for Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
Like all the Social Security Scotland benefits, there are some qualifying prerequisites that you need to meet to qualify for Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
- You must live in Scotland
- Receive Carer’s Allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions
You will not receive Carer’s Allowance Supplement if you have an ‘underlying entitlement’ which means that you receive other benefits.
As well as meeting the above criteria, claimants must also receive Carer’s Allowance by a certain date or else they will miss out on the allowance.
For example, to receive Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June 2023 you must have been receiving Carer’s Allowance on the 10th of April 2023.
Likewise, to receive Carer’s Allowance Supplement in December 2023 you need to have received Carer’s Allowance on the 9th of October 2023.
How much is Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
Each of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments is set at £270.50 which comes to a combined balance of £541.00.
If your income is below £12,570 a year you will not have to pay tax however, if your income is over this you may need to pay more income tax on your Carer’s Allowance Supplement and will need to inform HMRC.
Do I Need to Apply for Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
No, you do not need to apply for Carer’s Allowance Supplement as if you meet the qualifying criteria, you will receive the payment automatically.
Can I Apply for Carer’s Allowance Supplement If I am Outside of Scotland?
In some instances, you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance Supplement if you live in the European Economic Area and have a sufficient link to Scotland. More information can be found on mygov.scot website.
The European Economic Area covers EU countries as well as:
- Iceland
- Norway
- Liechtenstein
Will I Be Required to Send Any Documentation?
If you are applying from outside the UK, you will be required to send through documentation to confirm your identity and where you live.
Some of the types of documentation and certification that you can expect to be asked to send include: -
Proof of Identity
- UK, European Economic Area, or Non-European Economic Area signed passport
- European Economic Area national identity card
- Identity photo card with ‘PASS’ logo
- UK Armed Forces Identity Card
Proof of Address
- A bank or building society statement dated within the last six months
- A benefit award letter dated within the last six months
- An electoral voting card
If you are sending documents from outside the UK, you should send photocopies rather than the original documents. It is also important that you use a tracked post service so that your documents do not get lost in the post.
You will be required to pay for the cost of posting your application to Social Security Scotland.
Ensure that you write the following information on your photocopied documents:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your National Insurance Number
- Name of the Social Security Scotland assistance that you receive.
When will I receive Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
Social Security Scotland will write to you before each payment. You will receive Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June 2023 if you received Carer’s Allowance on the 10th of April 2023.
