Clare Adamson MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw is encouraging carers in education to check if they are entitled to financial help from Social Security Scotland.
This National Student Money Week (3 – 7 March 2025), unpaid carers in education are being urged to ensure they do not miss out on support that they may be entitled to.
It is estimated that there are around 35,000 unpaid carers attending college or university in Scotland. The type of help carers provide includes emotional, mental or physical support for a family member, friend or neighbour. But many people don’t recognise themselves as a carer, which could mean they are missing out on extra money.
There are three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland that could help student carers during their studies.
Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. Unlike Carer’s Allowance, it is available to more carers in education.
Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement are only available in Scotland.
Ms Adamson said:
“Carers do an invaluable job but many people who carry out caring responsibilities do not think of themselves as a carer.
“This means people miss out on extra support that is in place to help with the responsibilities and pressures that carers face.
“If you are looking after someone – like a neighbour, friend, or loved one – then it is important to register with your local carer’s organisation and check if you are eligible for support from Social Security Scotland.
“Last year, Scotland's Carer Support Payment, which replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, was rolled out across the country, expanding eligibility to those who are in full-time education, and introducing backdating for some applicants. This is part of the support for carers only available in Scotland, like the Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
“To find out more about all Social Security Scotland payments for carers, visit mygov.scot/carers or call free on 0800 182 2222.”
North Lanarkshire Carers Together recognises that as a Carer you may require a variety of supports to sustain you in your caring role and they offer a wide range of services to assist regardless of whether you are new to caring or have been providing unpaid care and support for a number of years.
North Lanarkshire Carers Together: Forgewood Community Centre, 49 Dinmont Cres, Motherwell ML1 3TT
Phone: 01698 404055
Email: enquiries@carerstogether.org
Website: carerstogether.org
Lanarkshire Carers is a resource for carers across Lanarkshire to access information, advice and a range of direct support services to support them in their caring roles.
Lanarkshire Carers Centre: Hamilton, Ground Floor Left Princes Gate, 60 Castle Street, Hamilton, ML3 6BU
Phone: 01698 428090
Website: lanarkshirecarers.org.uk
Background:
· Carer Support Payment is a payment of £81.90 a week and is available to carers who are aged 16 or over and who provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. They need to earn £151 a week or less after tax, National Insurance and expenses. Carers in education who may be eligible includes:
· Part time students - those who spend less than 21 hours a week in class or doing coursework for any course
· Students aged 20 and over and who study full time for any course
· Students aged 16-19, who study full time in advanced education at university or for a college course such as a Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma
· There are also some circumstances where students aged 16-19 studying over 21 hours a week in non-advanced education, such as studying for National Certificates and Scottish Highers, who may also be eligible if they meet certain criteria. Find out more at If you study - mygov.scot
· Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date. The payment is made twice a year and is unique to Scotland. Each payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement is currently £288.60. It is paid automatically without the need to apply.
· Young Carer Grant is available for carers aged 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. It is a yearly payment of £383.75 and the money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.
· Information on other support for carers, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you're a carer - mygov.scot
· National Student Money Week March 2025 National Student Money Week 2025 - NASMA
· Carers Trust Scotland estimates there are around 30,000 – 35,000 unpaid carers at college or university in Scotland. Carers at College & University | Carers Trust Scotland
· If you are an organisation that supports student carers in Scotland, there are shareable resources, many of which are available in different languages, via our resources pages on our website:
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