What is Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for carers in Scotland who also receive full or partial Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
How much is Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
If you qualify for Carer’s Allowance Supplement for 2023, your payments will be £270.50.
These payments are to provide carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance in Scotland with additional support and to bring it up to match Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Who can claim Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
To qualify for the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, you must be receiving Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying dates and live in Scotland.
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement benefit will be paid twice a year. There are two qualifying dates for each payment.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement Qualifying dates in 2023:
- 10th April 2023
- Date still to be announced for October 2023
Note
If you don’t claim Carer’s Allowance for the entire six-month period that the supplement covers but you were receiving Carer’s Allowance on 10th April 2023, you will still be paid £270.50.
However, if you receive Carer’s Allowance for most of the six-month period but not on the qualifying date, you will not receive the supplement for that period.
If you weren’t receiving Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date but are later given a backdated payment covering that date, you will be eligible for Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
If you have an underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance - where you claim Carer’s Allowance and meet the eligibility criteria, but do not receive it because you are getting another income replacement benefit, at the level of Carer’s Allowance or above - you are not eligible.
If you do not get Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date but are later awarded the benefit which is backdated to cover that date, you will be eligible for the Carer’s Allowance Supplement for that period.
How to claim Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
You don’t have to do anything to claim Carer’s Allowance Supplement. The payment will be issued automatically to eligible carers.
If you’re eligible for Carer’s Allowance Supplement you will receive a letter notifying you in advance to explain the payment and introduce Social Security Scotland - the new Scottish Government agency that will deliver these payments.
When will I receive Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
The payment will be a lump sum covering the six month period, either April to September or October to March.
You should receive a letter before your Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid advising of your payment debt:
- If you are eligible for the first qualifying date in April, you should receive payment in June.
- If you are eligible for the second qualifying date in October, you will be paid in December.
Payments are made in the same way as your Carer’s Allowance. If your payment doesn’t arrive contact Social Security Scotland.
Contact Details should be detailed in the letter advising of payment. If you do contact Social Security Scotland, remember to keep a record of when you contacted them and who you spoke to.
It is better to contact in writing as this will maintain a clear record of what you have stated.
Will Carer’s Allowance Supplement affect my Carer’s Allowance?
No, you will continue to receive Carer’s Allowance payments from the DWP at the same time and rate as you do now.
Will the Carer’s Allowance Supplement affect my other benefits?
No. The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is disregarded for means-tested benefits and tax credits and will therefore not reduce the other benefits you receive.
However, the Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be taxable. You should inform HM Revenue and Customs about your Carer’s Allowance Supplement as this may increase the amount of tax you need to pay if your taxable income is over £12,570 per year.
