Carer's Allowance Supplement in Scotland

Who is eligible?

Carer's Allowance Supplement is extra money that might be available for you if you are an unpaid carer and live in Scotland. Other than living in Scotland, one of the key requirements is that you receive Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on two particular dates each year (which are known as the qualifying dates - see below). 

You do not have to apply for Carer's Allowance Supplement. However, it cannot be paid to carers who do not receive Carer's Allowance but instead have an “underlying entitlement”. An underlying entitlement is where you are not being paid Carer's Allowance because another benefit is paid at a higher rate. This applies to, for example, the State Pension and Employment and Support Allowance. If you qualify, you will be paid this as a lump sum twice a year, every six months automatically. 

When will I receive my Carer's Allowance Supplement?

Payments are made every six months. You will receive these two payments if you're receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on the qualifying dates. For 2024 these were 8 April (for the June payment) and 7 October (for the December payment). The first payment this year was made on 7 June and the second payment will be made on 6 December. If you believe you are eligible and have not received the payment or heard from Social Security Scotland by 16 December 2024, call them free on 0800 182 2222 or see Social Security Scotland for more information or other ways to contact them.

As long as you continue to receive Carer Support Payment/ Carer’s Allowance, you will receive these payments every six months. If you receive a payment for a six month period but your caring role ends before the six months are over, you do not need to repay this payment.

How much is it?

Carer's Allowance Supplement (CAS) is provided as two separate payments, with each payment covering six months. For 2024/25, the first payment was £288.60 in June and the second payment in December will be £288.60. These payments will be made into the same bank account that your Carer Support Payment (or Carer's Allowance) is paid into.

The supplement is calculated using the rates of Carer's Allowance and Jobseeker’s Allowance (plus an adjustment for inflation) paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

How do I claim CAS?

You do not need to do anything. As long as you are living in Scotland and receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on the qualifying dates, you will receive the payment automatically. For the June payment, the qualifying date was 8 April and for the December payment, the qualifying date was 7 October for 2024.

Impact on other benefits

Carer's Allowance Supplement will not affect other benefits such as housing benefit, income support, universal credit or council tax reduction. You do not need to tell anyone about this payment for benefit purposes and it will not affect the amount of any other benefit you receive.

Carer's Allowance Supplement will not be counted as income in calculating your Tax Credits award. However, Carer’s Allowance itself continues to be counted as income for tax credits.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement will also not be taken into account in income assessments for college student support.

More information

You can find out more about Carer's Allowance Supplement on MyGov.Scot.

Income Tax

Both Carer's Allowance and the Carer's Allowance Supplement are taxable, so you should let HM Revenue and Customs know about your Carer’s Allowance Supplement as this may increase the amount of tax you need to pay. You will pay no tax if your taxable income is below the annual personal allowance. Find out more on the HMRC website.