Help for Young Carers

The introduction of a Young Carer’s Allowance to give young people extra financial support is now being consulted on by the Scottish Government.

As part of the wider consultation on Social Security, carer advisory groups, carers and others now have the opportunity to put forward their views on all aspects including whether a Young Carer’s Allowance could help people who would have previously lost out on financial support. The Scottish Government will also look at what non-financial support is currently available and identify any gaps.

Under UK Government criteria only 250 people in Scotland under the age of 18 receive Carer’s Allowance. ‎

It has already been confirmed that once new social security powers are devolved, the Scottish Government will begin to increase Carer’s Allowance to the same level as Jobseeker’s Allowance – an increase of almost 18%.

Minister for Social Security Jeane Freeman will attend the Young Carers Festival being held in West Linton this week. Speaking ahead of her visit she said:

“I am delighted we are now making good on our promise of consulting on giving young carers extra financial support.

“It is unfair that some young people who have the responsibility and pressure of caring for a loved one may experience financial difficulties. That is why we will now consider whether a Young Carer’s Allowance could bridge that gap in support.

“We have already made our commitment that carers will be £600 better off a year when we raise Carer’s Allowance to the same level as Jobseeker’s Allowance, but we also need to make sure that young carers do not lose out.

“The new devolved powers might only give us responsibility for 15% of the total social security spend from the UK Government, but we are determined to make a real difference to people’s lives with the responsibilities we do have. And the principles of treating people with dignity and respect will be at the heart of all we do.”