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

Further changes to Scottish Carer’s Assistance in the future

Remove education limits from Scottish Carer’s Assistance

There was overall support among interview participants the proposal to remove education restrictions to allow carers in full-time education to be eligible for Scottish Carer’s Assistance

Many emphasised that this proposal improves the life chances, education development and employability of young carers.

A few stated that having the option of studying full-time allows carers respite from their caring role and it also improves their mental health.

Quote from panel member:

“These young people need a chance. Imagine coming out at 18 and your whole future is caring for your loved ones […] If something happens and the cared for person dies then they have no further education. Young carers need to be employable.” (interview participant)

Combine hours spent caring for two people

81 % of respondents agreed with the change to allow carers to add hours spent caring for two to reach the 35 hours per week requirement to get Scottish Carer’s Assistance. The majority of interview participants also agreed with this proposal.

Some survey respondents and interview participants suggested that this proposal should consider individual circumstances and flexibility as hours providing care can fluctuate and overlap between cared for people.

A few survey respondents suggested that carers who cared for more than two people should also be able to benefit from this proposal.

Some respondents mentioned the importance of giving clear eligibility information alongside the implementation of simple application processes.

Quote from panel member:

“The change could be set to apply for carers looking after two or more people for 35 hours per week, rather than simply two, at least initially.” (survey respondent)

Pay Scottish Carer’s Assistance for 12 weeks in specific circumstances

The vast majority (90 %) of survey respondents agreed with the proposal to pay Scottish Carer’s Assistance for 12 weeks after the death of a cared for person. The majority of interview participants also agreed with the proposal.

Survey respondents and participants stated the importance of the time a carer needs to adjust and look for their future options.

Many respondents and participants mentioned that the carer also needs time to carry out administrative tasks and practical arrangements around the cared for person’s death.

Quote from panel member:

“I do agree that extending the time when a cared for person dies is a positive. Carers will have lots of paperwork to complete, and having one less thing to worry about can only be a good thing. It also gives them time to decide if they could perhaps go back to paid employment.” (survey respondent)

The vast majority (91 %) of respondents agreed with the proposal to pay Scottish Carer’s Assistance for 12 weeks when a cared for person goes into hospital or residential care. Most interview participants also agreed with this proposal.

Many survey respondents and interview participants noted that caring does not stop when the cared for person goes to the hospital.

A few interview participants noted that the proposal to pay Scottish Carer’s Assistance for 12 weeks when a cared for person goes into hospital or residential care could provide the carer with financial stability to pay household bills.

A small number of respondents suggested that Social Security Scotland should provide clear and simple information and processes to navigate the system as part of implementing these plans.

Quote from panel member:

“Carers duties do not cease when the cared for adult goes into hospital or residential care - they still normally require support help and assistance which may be more difficult and expensive to provide if the carer has to travel further at greater expense.” (survey respondent)

Increase the amount carers can earn and still get Scottish Carer’s Assistance

90 % agreed with the proposal to increase the earning limit for Scottish Carer’s Assistance. The amount would be equivalent to the income of a carer working for 16 hours and be paid the Real Living Wage. The majority of interview participants also agreed with this proposal.

Several survey respondents and interview participants noted the positive aspects of this proposal. Many mentioned that by allowing carers to increase their earnings, they will be able to participate in paid employment and improve their mental health and wellbeing by doing so.

Some survey respondents and interview participants mentioned that this proposal reduces the fear of losing the Carer’s Allowance entitlement, it considers jobs with variable hours and earnings, and it helps with the rising costs of living.

Some respondents and participants said that the proposed earnings threshold is still too low.

A few felt that all carers should be paid Scottish Carer’s Assistance payments regardless their personal circumstances and there should not be an earnings threshold at all.

A few survey respondents mentioned the provision of clear information and simple processes to monitor/proof earnings and weekly working hours.

Quote from panel member:

“This would be good because many people juggling work and caring duties are in jobs which have variable hours and opportunities for earning.” (survey respondent)

Getting SCA payments for some weeks after earning over the limit

82 % agreed with the idea of making payments for some weeks after a carer earns over the earnings limit. The majority of interview participants also agreed with this proposal.

Many respondents and participants noted that this proposal:

Allows a period of transition and financial adjustment for the carer.

Considers jobs which do not pay the same amount on a weekly or monthly basis.

Lets a carer take on extra paid work, including seasonal and weekend jobs.

Some respondents and interview participants mentioned that for this proposal to work well:

Social Security Scotland needs to set up simple applications processes.

information about the proposal and its rules needs to be communicated clearly.

Quote from panel member:

“I think to keep payments as a stop gap to help carers transition to work is an excellent idea. If a person moved from having to rely on carer’s payments, into work, they would need time to adjust and cope financially...” (survey respondent)

Support for a wider group of unpaid carers: long-term carers

89% of survey respondents said that a payment for long-term carers should be considered further. The majority of interview participants also welcomed this proposal.

Many stated that a long-term carer could be identified by the prognosis of the cared for person. If the cared for person has conditions which are: unlikely to improve, progressive, chronic and/or they endure life-long debilitating diseases; their carer could be a long-term carer.

Some survey respondents and interview participants said long-term carers could be identified based on a long period of time in which the carer has provided caring work.

Many said a long-term carer could be identified as those who will never be able to take up paid employment or who had to give up full employment due to their intense caring work.

Several gave mixed views on the method of payment. Some suggested a lump sum and others suggested that the payment could be paid at the same time as Scottish Carer’s Assistance payments. A few proposed that the choice of the method of payment should be offered to carers.

Quote from panel member:

“It should be for people who care for individuals on long term DLA/PIP. Neither my son or my parent are going to 'get better' from their disability, they have lifelong disabilities, and will need lifelong care.” (survey respondent)