Carer's Allowance changes in Scotland
A new benefit called Carer Support Payment will replace Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. This is planned to happen between February 2024 and spring 2025 as part of Scottish devolution.
Your benefit will move from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to Social Security Scotland if you:
- get Carer's Allowance
- live in Scotland
You do not need to apply for Carer Support Payment
If you get Carer’s Allowance, you do not need to apply for Carer Support Payment. DWP and Social Security Scotland will move your benefit for you.
Your award will stay the same
There'll be no gap in your award and the amount you get will stay the same. DWP will continue to pay you until Social Security Scotland start to pay you. If you get Carers allowance supplement, you'll still get payments twice a year.
When your benefit will move
DWP will send you a letter to say when your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland. This is planned to happen between February 2024 and spring 2025.
Social Security Scotland will send you a letter to say what’s happening during the move. They’ll send you another letter when the move is complete and your Carer Support Payment has started.
Your other benefits
Moving from Carer’s Allowance to Carer Support Payment will not affect your entitlement to other benefits.
If you get benefits from providers like DWP, you might need to tell them when you move to Carer Support Payment.
Social Security Scotland do not know what other benefits you get. So they cannot contact providers for you. But they’ll send you a letter saying how to contact providers.