Social Security Experience Panels - Scottish Carer's Assistance: visual summary

Scottish Carer’s Assistance when it is first introduced

A service that works well for carers

Survey respondents were asked what support Scottish Carer’s Assistance could be linked to that would be helpful for carers.

Almost all (93%) said other Social Security benefits that carers may be entitled to.

Over four-fifths (85%) said Health and Social Care services.

Just over three quarters (76%) said support at the end of a caring role when a cared for person has died.

Survey respondents and interview participants indicated it would be helpful to access support organisations, carer groups and networks.

They mentioned the importance of giving clear and detailed information considering user’s accessibility and needs. They also said that the information needs to be streamlined across agencies, organisations and services.

Quote from panel member:

“Any equivalent organisations, such as carer centres. Just being able to signpost people to organisations that are out there who can provide support, avenues to respite for carers and general information.” (interview participant)

Timescales for re-determinations

Most interview participants agreed with the timescales proposed for re-determinations. A few stressed the need to provide clear, simple and short information about the timescales of redeterminations and appeals.

Quote from panel member:

“The timescales seem acceptable and reasonable, but I think that you have to make clear on the letters sent out that if someone is appealing, that they have 40 days to make the appeal.” (interview participant)

Changing Scottish Carer’s Assistance payments to £0 instead of suspending or ending the award

Over two thirds (71%) of survey respondents agreed with setting Scottish Carer’s Assistance to £0 for any week a carer earns too much money.

Two thirds (66%) of survey respondents agreed with setting Scottish Carer’s Assistance to £0 if a cared for person’s disability benefit is stopped or suspended.

Several respondents and participants said these proposals would avoid carers having to go through a re-application process.

Some stated that setting Scottish Carer’s Assistance to £0 for any week a carer earns too much money would allow carers to take on occasional/periodical paid jobs.

Some survey respondents and interview participants mentioned that caring work and financial household expenses do not stop when earnings fluctuate or when the disability benefit is stopped or suspended.

Some thought that it is unfair to end a payment because a carer experiences fluctuation in their earnings.

Some felt that that disability benefits are frequently stopped due to administrative error and in other cases they are sometimes reinstated after appeals.

Others argued that the caring role does not stop when the cared for person is in the hospital. Some described providing help with care in hospitals.

A small number of respondents and participants said these proposals should include the provision of simple and clear guidance for certain scenarios.

Quote from panel member:

“The claim process is time consuming so having a zero payment period when there are mitigating circumstances therefore avoiding having to restart the whole claim sounds an excellent idea.” (survey respondent)

Ending a Scottish Carer’s Assistance award when it has been £0 for six months in a row

54% of survey respondents agreed with ending a Scottish Carer’s Assistance award when it has been £0 for six months in a row.

Some survey respondents mentioned it is a reasonable time for a carer to sort out circumstances concerning paid employment or benefits eligibility.

Some also stated that the 6-month period provides a realistic time frame to acknowledge that a change in caring circumstances are permanent.

A few survey respondents felt that the proposal should allow for exceptional and personal circumstances to be taken into account in case the payments need to be reinstated.

Some survey respondents said that it is not a long enough period to cover certain situations such as longer hospital stays and lengthy appeal processes.

A few also mentioned that this proposal does not consider carers who regularly earn above the earning threshold for more than six months.

Quote from panel member:

“Long enough for them to decide on whether they should make an alternative arrangement, like find work or claim another benefit.” (survey respondent)

Views on Short-Term Assistance

Most interview participants agreed with the proposal to pay Scottish Carer’s Assistance to carers when the person they are caring for is receiving short-term assistance.

They had positive views on the financial support during appeal processes. They also felt it would be reassuring for clients that they can go ahead with appeals with less financial worries.

Quote from panel member:

“I agree with the payment. This is a positive as it reduces the stress levels. People will know they still have the money coming in while the decision is under appeal.” (interview participant)