Maree Todd calls on unpaid carers to check eligibility for support
Maree Todd is urging unpaid carers in the Highlands to check their eligibility for financial support from Social Security Scotland.
The call comes after the latest census showed that there were 26,179 unpaid carers in the region.
The Carer Support Payment – replacing Carer’s Allowance in Scotland – was introduced across the country earlier this month, expanding eligibility to those who are in full-time education and introducing backdating for some applicants.
It joins a series of support measures for carers only available in Scotland, such as the Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
Ms Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: “Unpaid carers go above and beyond to support those they care for – so it is absolutely vital that they access the support they are entitled to.
“The latest figures show that there are 26,179 unpaid carers in Highland. I would urge all of them to ensure they are receiving the support they deserve.
“The SNP developed Social Security Scotland with the principles of dignity, fairness and respect at its heart, and the new Carer Support Payment is no different – improving on Carer’s Allowance by making those in full-time education eligible and introducing backdating for some applicants.
“I would urge all unpaid carers in Highland to check their eligibility for financial support available from Social Security Scotland.”
The Carer Support Payment, which is a payment of £81.90 a week paid by Social Security Scotland, has been introduced in phases since November 2023. It is now available in every local authority in the country.
It is for unpaid carers who provide 35 or more hours of care a week to someone who gets disability benefits.
Scotland’s social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The importance of the role of unpaid carers should not be underestimated. Their work is vital to the people they look after, and to society as a whole.
“I am delighted that Carer Support Payment is now available in every local authority in Scotland. Many students will now be able to get this financial support for the first time, thanks to changes made by the Scottish Government.
“I urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to find out more.”
