What is it?
The Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment paid by the Scottish Government to carer’s who qualify.
You can be paid the Carer’s Allowance Supplement if you live in Scotland and were getting Carer's Allowance on a particular date.
It is normally paid twice a year, providing you qualify.
Am I eligible?
To get the Carer's Allowance Supplement you must:
- be getting paid Carer's Allowance on a particular date
- live in Scotland on a particular date.
You must be paid Carer's Allowance to qualify for the Carer's Allowance Supplement.
Some people do not get Carer's Allowance because they get other benefits instead. This is called an 'underlying entitlement'.
You will not be able to get the Carer's Allowance Supplement if you have an underlying entitlement to Carer's Allowance and are not actually paid Carer’s Allowance.
What you'll get?
It is paid twice a year and the rate is £245.70 per payment.
How do I apply?
You do not need to apply for this extra payment.
If you're eligible for this payment, the Social Security Scotland Agency (SSSA) will automatically pay it into the same account that you get your Carer's Allowance paid into.
When is it paid?
The next 2 scheduled payments of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement are due to be paid on the following dates:
- £245.70 from 9 December 2022 – you will get this payment if you were getting Carer's Allowance on 10 October 2022
- £245.70 in June 2023 – you will get this payment if you were getting Carer's Allowance on 10 April 2023
The SSSA will write to you before each payment.
You can contact the SSSA on 0800 182 2222 if you have not received the payment and think that you should have.
Can I challenge the decision?
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid automatically to people who are living in Scotland and receiving Carer’s Allowance on the chosen qualifying dates.
If this applies to you and you have not received a payment than you should call the SSSA for free on 0800 182 2222 and inquire about why you have not received the payment.
How to contact us?
You can get in touch with the Tackling Poverty Team by emailing TPteam@northlan.gov.uk or calling 01698 332551.
Does it affect other benefits?
The Carer's Allowance Supplement is not taken into account as income for any other benefits or tax credits.
You may, however, have to pay income tax on your Carer's Allowance Supplement. Most people do not pay tax if their income is under £12,500 a year.
If your income is over £12,500 then you should let HMRC know about your Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment(s).
Your partner's income does not affect whether you have to pay tax on Carer's Allowance Supplement.