In North Ayrshire 2,528 carers are amongst 73,923 across Scotland who will receive the first payment of their new Carer’s Allowance Supplement from mid-September, back-dated to 01 April.
Worth more than £1 million a year to carers in North Ayrshire, each will get a supplementary payment of £221, equivalent of an extra £8.50 per week. This represents an increase of 13% on the Carer’s Allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions.
This new benefit will be paid twice a year by Social Security Scotland, the first major new public service to be created since devolution.
Carers will receive letters from Social Security Scotland from the week beginning 10 September, so they know in advance to expect a payment.
Carers are not required to do anything to receive this payment which will happen automatically and be paid using the same method as the Carer’s Allowance from the DWP.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Security, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP said:
“Making these payments represents an historic moment, launching a new public service delivering a social security system that treats people with dignity, fairness and respect.”
“We recognise the important contribution carers make, and this supplementary payment allows us to put more money in the pockets of carers in Scotland as quickly as possible.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“This SNP Government has always supported the idea that Carer’s Allowance should be the same rate as Jobseeker’s Allowance, given the enormous contribution that carers make to Scottish society.
“I am delighted we are effectively using Scotland’s new social security powers to guarantee this additional payment and investing in Scotland’s carers, including 2,528 here in North Ayrshire.”
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