Unpaid carers in Rutherglen constituency urged to check eligibility for new support payment

-Credit: (Image: PA)
-Credit: (Image: PA)


Unpaid carers in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are being urged to check to see if they are eligible for financial support from Social Security Scotland.

Figures in the latest census show there are over 42,000 unpaid carers living in South Lanarkshire.

Clare Haughey MSP is calling on those in the Rutherglen constituency who carry out unpaid care to see if they may be able to get Scotland’s Carer Support Payment of £81.90 per week, which was rolled out earlier this month across the country.

It is for unpaid carers who provide 35 or more hours of care a week to someone who receives disability benefits.

The Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, and expands eligibility to those who are in full-time education, as well as introducing backdated payments for some applicants.

It joins a suite of support for carers that is only available in Scotland, such as the Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Haughey said: “Unpaid carers go above and beyond to support those they care for – so it is absolutely vital that they access the support they are entitled to.

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“The latest figures show that there are over 42,000 unpaid carers in South Lanarkshire. I would urge all of them to ensure they are receiving the support they deserve.

“The SNP developed Social Security Scotland with the principles of dignity, fairness and respect at its heart, and the new Carer Support Payment is no different – improving on Carer’s Allowance by making those in full time education eligible and introducing backdating for some applicants.

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“I would urge all unpaid carers in Rutherglen and Cambuslang to check their eligibility for financial support available from Social Security Scotland.”

More information on the Carer Support payment, including who can apply, how to apply, and further information about backdating is available on the Scottish Government website: www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment

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