Social security - Scottish Carer's Assistance consultation: Scottish Government response

Linking carers to wider services and support

In the consultation we set out ways in which Carer Support Payment could better link carers to wider services and carer support. The aim of this was to improve carer health and well-being, and as far as practicable allow for a life of their own outside caring. This could include providing clear information on wider support, including other social security benefits, and signposting to organisations who support carers.

We suggested that support could be targeted at key moments of transition, such as at the start of a caring role, when young carers are moving on from young carer services to adult services, or when a caring role comes to an end, especially if this is due to the loss of the cared for person. This could include linking to information and advice on education, training and employment, to support carers who would like to, and are able to take part in these opportunities.

We noted that we are working to identify ways we can link up with other support from launch. For example, providing on-screen information about wider support as part of the application process, as well as clear information about other benefits relevant to carers, so that carers are better informed about their entitlements. Similar information could be included in the text of award letters, or in guidance provided by Social Security Scotland's Local Delivery teams.

Respondents’ feedback

Respondents cited a wide range of organisations and forms of support that Carer Support Payment could link to. A key form of support was carers’ centres, which can provide information and local help in accessing and completing paperwork as well as performing an advocacy role.

Common themes highlighted by stakeholders included the importance of streamlining information on entitlements and various sources of support across agencies, organisations and services which are in contact with carers. Clear information and signposting should be provided for carers, alongside information on concessions for carers, eligibility entitlements and overlapping benefits. Information should be accessible and consider the needs of users.

Respondents told us that support should be provided at transitional junctures, particularly when a cared for person dies, including emotional, employability support and financial advice for income maximisation.

Scottish Government response

Given the strong support for this, we will proceed with this policy from introduction of the new benefit. We will take into account the feedback we have received on specific areas where we can link carers to wider support, and we will work closely with carers in developing the detail of this. We are committed to continuous improvement in delivery of the benefit and will work directly with carers and support organisations to understand how the system is working and identify any changes needed. Further information on monitoring evaluation and continuous improvement can be found later in this document.

Ongoing improvements to Carer Support Payment

After launch, we will continue to improve how we deliver Carer Support Payment to provide the best possible service and to respond to feedback from users. We’ve set out below some improvements we are already working to deliver after the pilot launch of our new benefit. As set out in the consultation we have also proposed further significant eligibility changes we could make in the future and more information on these is provided later.

Making applications for Carer Support Payment in advance and backdating

From introduction of the benefit, carers will be able to ‘backdate’ Carer Support Payment for a maximum of three months without having to give a reason if they have been unable to apply as soon as they are eligible. However carers will be able to backdate the award for more than three months where an application for Carer Support Payment is made within three months of a qualifying benefit decision - for example where a disability benefit has been awarded to the person they care for following a Tribunal and they are owed backdated payments.

We are working to also provide an option for carers to make applications for Carer Support Payment in advance – when they know they will become eligible up to three months in the future. This would be in line with how Carer’s Allowance works now and would mean carers could make an application for Carer Support Payment if they are planning to begin a caring role or reduce their working hours or earnings. We have already designed Carer Support Payment systems so that applications will be processed as quickly as possible so carers aren’t waiting a long time for a decision on their award.

Frequency of payments

We noted in the consultation our intention to mirror the payment frequencies available in Carer’s Allowance, where carers are paid weekly or every four weeks. For carers making new applications for Carer Support Payment we will make payments every four weeks, in line with how our disability benefits are paid. Carers whose benefits are transferring from Carer’s Allowance will be able to receive weekly or four weekly payments of Carer Support Payment based on how they are paid now. We will also provide weekly in advance payments for carers who are terminally ill or caring for someone who is terminally ill.

From launch we don’t plan to offer weekly payments beyond this, as this is not something which is currently available for our other benefits, and weekly payments can increase the risk of overpayments. We are committed to developing and improving all of our benefits after they have launched, and in response to feedback from the people who use them, and will consider whether further payment options could be offered in future.