The Carer Support Payment, the replacement for Carer's Allowance, which is being rolled out by the SNP Government across Scotland, is now available in North Ayrshire.
New rules mean the benefit, paid by Social Security Scotland, is available to more student carers.
Since its introduction, the benefit has been available to carers aged 16-19 in full-time further and higher education and carers over 20 in part-time education.
Now 16-19-year-old carers who are still at school, will also be eligible for Carer Support Payment.
In addition, some carers – mostly full-time students - can now have their benefit payments backdated to when Carer Support Payment was first introduced.
Carers can use the postcode checker to see if Carer Support Payment is available in their area;
Carers can also find out more, and apply at:
Kenneth Gibson, MSP commented:
“The work unpaid carers do is invaluable and I’m delighted that more carers in North Ayrshire can now get Carer Support Payment and I urge everyone who is eligible for the benefit to apply as soon as possible.
“Despite continued Westminster austerity under the new Labour UK government, the SNP Government has chosen to prioritise helping out those who need it most including unpaid carers.
“I encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible to check if they can apply. This includes students studying full-time who are not eligible for Carer's Allowance.”
ENDS
Comments