A charity has called for a new devolved benefit to be paid to older unpaid carers receiving the State Pension after a new report found that 82 per cent of them said their role had a significant impact on their finances. The Carer Support Payment will replace Carer’s Allowance for new applicants in Scotland from the end of this year in a phased pilot scheme before a nationwide rollout begins in Spring 2024.
A total of 450 people took part in the ‘Experiences of Older Adult Unpaid Carers in Scotland’ study conducted by the Carers Trust Scotland to discover the challenges faced by older carers across the country. Currently, carers who are pensioners can claim Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), but they might not be entitled to the full amount of both benefits - even though State Pension is a contributory benefit which people pay into during their working life.
The Scottish Government has not yet confirmed if the new benefit, to be delivered by Social Security Scotland, will operate under the same rules. The report found that there was ‘anger and frustration’ from older adults no longer in receipt of Carer’s Allowance due to receiving a full State Pension with many feeling they are financially penalised due to their age.
Almost two-thirds (65%) of respondents said that they experience feelings of loneliness some of the time, and a further 19 per cent said they often felt lonely. A quarter of those who took part (25%) said they do not feel as if they have the support they need as an unpaid carer and not having the support prevents many from being able to have a break.
Older carers have also been affected by the ongoing cost of living crisis, with many sharing ways they have tried to save money over the past 12 months.
The report found that:
- 37% have used less gas/electricity in their homes
- 35% have cut back on essentials
- 19% have skipped meals
- 16% have used a food bank
- 27% have used their pension pot for everyday expenses
The charity has put forward recommendations for support for unpaid carers, services and staff and is calling on the Scottish Government to extend Carer Support Payment to older adult unpaid carers with underlying entitlement who are receiving State Pension and ringfenced funding to local carer organisations.
Additionally, Carers Trust Scotland is calling for specific programmes aimed at combatting social isolation and loneliness amongst older adult unpaid carers to be developed.
Commenting on the findings, Becky Duff, director of Carers Trust Scotland, said: “The changes in demographic trends in Scotland has seen our population begin to age over recent decades, it is therefore vital that we understand the challenges facing unpaid carers aged 65 and above which will be key in helping us support them.
“The research report highlights that older adult unpaid carers across Scotland experience numerous impacts to their everyday lives, including in health, finances and support in their caring role.
“Many older unpaid carers have also faced challenges with employment, whether that is throughout their career and not having the same opportunities as those who don’t have caring roles, or in having to give up employment early due to their caring role.”
Jim Guyan, an unpaid carer from Shetland, added: “This report highlights the continuing lack of recognition and support given to elderly unpaid carers by the establishment. It also makes recommendations that require action immediately.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson, said: “We recognise the incredible contribution Scotland’s unpaid carers make to our communities and the considerable pressures many carers are under.
“We have heard the concerns of carers whose payments of carer’s allowance stop when they start getting State Pension. While in practice they are no worse off as State Pension is paid at a higher rate and they may get extra amounts in other benefits, we know they can feel a loss of recognition for their vital caring role.
“We are continuing to work with carers and support organisations to look at how our replacement for carer’s allowance - carer support payment - can work better than carer’s allowance.
“Our recent Scottish carer’s assistance consultation invited views on alternative support which could be considered for long-term carers, including those getting state pension. We plan to explore this further.”
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