As the festive season rolls in, many benefit claimants will be sorting out their payments in order to prepare for the big day.
This year, carers in Scotland will receive an extra £245 by the end of this week, just in time for Christmas. The Carer's Allowance Supplement is paid by Social Security Scotland, but the Carer's Allowance payment is delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
So, who will be eligible for this supplement, and when will it be paid? Read on below to find out more.
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What is the Carer's Allowance Supplement?
Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for people in Scotland who get Carer's Allowance on a particular date.
Carer's Allowance Supplement is paid twice a year.
When will the Supplement be paid?
The next payment of the Carer's Allowance Supplement will be this Friday, December 9, 2022. People will receive the payment of £245.70 if they were paid Carer's Allowance on October 10, 2022.
The next payment after this one will be in June 2023 - you'll get this payment if you're getting Carer's Allowance on 10 April 2023. Social Security Scotland will announce the exact date for the June 2023 payment nearer the time.
If you're due to get a payment, you'll get a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made.
Who delivers these payments?
According to the Scottish Government website, Social Security Scotland pays Carer's Allowance Supplement. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) pays Carer's Allowance.
The DWP shares information with Social Security Scotland so they can make this payment.
Who is eligible for Carer's Allowance?
People are eligible for this payment - which is £69.70 weekly - if the individual, the person they care for and the type of care provided meets certain criteria.
You do not have to be related to, or live with the person you are caring for. The person being cared for must receive one of these benefits:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - daily living component
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - the middle or highest care rate
Attendance Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
Armed Forces Independence Payment
If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.
The type of care that the individual provides must last at least 35 hours in a week. This can include:
helping with washing and cooking
taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment
helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping
In terms of eligibility for the individual who is the carer, the following criteria must apply:
You are 16 or over
You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
You have been in Scotland for at least two of the last three years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
You are not in full-time education
You are not studying for 21 hours a week or more
You are not subject to immigration control
Your earnings are £132 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses
You can claim online at the GOV.UK website or phone the Carer’s Allowance Unit for a claim form on 0800 731 0297.
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