If you already receive Carer's Allowance, you don't need to apply for Carer Support Payment. You will be moved over to the new benefit between February 2024 and spring 2025.

There will be no gap in payment as you are transferred from Carer's Allowance (managed by the DWP) to Carer Support Payment (managed by Social Security Scotland) and you won't need to do anything.
 

There is a strong likelihood you will be able to claim Carer Support Payment if all the following apply: 

• You live in Scotland.
• The person you care for must be receiving a particular disability benefit (see next tab for a list).
• You are not already receiving Carer's Allowance. You can't claim both Carer Support Payment and Carer's Allowance at the same time. 
• You’re 16 or older. 
• You provide at least 35 hours of care to someone per week (this must be the same person).
• You can only apply for one person.
• You are not studying certain courses if aged between 16 and 19.
• You don't earn more than £151 per week from April 2024-March 2025 (after deductions including tax, National Insurance and certain expenses).

Carer Support Payment may affect certain other benefits you're receiving or the benefit that the person you care for is receiving so it's a good idea to see if it affects them before applying. Find out more about this on the mygov.scot website.

There are also certain residence and presence conditions to meet. 

If you’re terminally ill, there are simpler rules you can follow which make it easier to apply. 

One of the rules for being eligible is that the person you're looking after must receive one of the following benefits which are sometimes called 'qualifying benefits':

• the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 
• Attendance Allowance (either rate)
• the middle or higher rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate paid with the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• the middle or higher rate of the care component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
• the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland).
  
  

You may also be able to get Carer's Allowance Supplement on top of this benefit and National Insurance credits. See this page about Carer's Allowance Supplement for more details.

Receiving Carer Support Payment could also lead to an increase in any means-tested benefits or tax credits you receive. Contact the offices that pay these benefits to find out more. 

Alternatively, you might now find that you qualify for certain benefits for the first time. You can find out what benefits you’re entitled to and how much you should be getting by arranging a benefits check with one of our advisers. You can do so be requesting one by email at advice@carersuk.org

You can also look into carrying out an online benefits check by visiting either: 

• Entitled to
• Turn2us 

Whilst they can provide a helpful indication, it is important to note that sometimes these tools are not 100% accurate or suitable for everyone.

Read our factsheet to find out more about Carer Support Payment: Carer Support Payment factsheet