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

Extra payments for carers in Scotland

Payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement in the future

48% Almost half said Carer’s Allowance Supplement should be paid at the same time with Scottish Carer’s Assistance payments in the future.

35% Over a third said Carer’s Allowance Supplement should be paid as a lump sum.

Many survey respondents and interview participants commented that paying Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Scottish Carer’s Assistance payments at the same time:

would provide carers a better financial support by adding to the household budget.

would avoid some carers missing out on payments due to the specific qualifying period/dates of the current Carer’s Allowance Supplement eligibility rules.

Some survey respondents and interview participants commented that paying Carer’s Allowance Supplement as a lump sum:

would allow carers to use that money for themselves, in the form of respite, breaks or holidays.

would allow carers large purchases, help for seasonal budgets like Christmas or summer holidays.

would avoid Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments being used for daily living costs.

Some mentioned that both methods of payment for Carer’s Allowance Supplement should be available for carers so they could choose their preferred one based on their individual circumstances.

Quote from panel member:

“Paying it at the same time as Scottish Carer’s Assistance offers the carer better financial security and budgetary control than waiting for a fixed lump sum payment every e.g. six months.” (survey respondent)

Carer’s Additional Person Payment

75% Three quarters of survey respondents agreed with the proposed eligibility criteria for Carer’s Additional Person Payment.

Survey respondents and interview participants noted that this payment:

is a recognition and appreciation for carers who care for more than one person.

takes into account the extra amount of care provided and the extra cost of caring for more than one person.

Some respondents and participants felt there were potential issues relating to the amount of caring hours that are required to become eligible for this new payment:

hours providing care can fluctuate between cared for people and/or carers are unable to separate hours of care between cared for people.

the total amount of caring hours proposed is too high a threshold for eligibility.

consideration of travelling hours to assist cared for people.

caring is a fulltime job (or often more than fulltime).

Some survey respondents felt that that the amount proposed for the Carer’s Additional Person payment is too low.

A few respondents and participants noted caring situations in which the carer would care for two or more people, but they still not be able to qualify for Carer’s Additional Person Payment:

A carer who received a state pension

A carer who earns above the earning threshold.

Caring for elderly adults who are not in receipt of disability benefits.

The majority of interview participants agreed that Carer’s Additional Person Payment should be paid at the same time as a carer’s Scottish Carer’s Assistance Payments. They said that it would help with their household regular budget.

Quote from panel member:

“I agree because I myself care for 2 children with disabilities and one adult child with disabilities. It is hard going. It’s exhausting. It means I cannot ever work because it is 24/7 and I don’t ever get a break so that extra money would help massively...” (survey respondent)