Carers in education urged not to miss out on extra money.
This National Student Money Week (3 – 7 March 2025), unpaid
carers in education are being encouraged to check if they are
entitled to financial help from Social Security Scotland.
It is estimated that there are around 35,000 unpaid carers
attending college or university in Scotland. The type of help
they provide includes emotional, mental or physical support for a
family member, friend or neighbour. But many don't recognise
themselves as a carer, which could mean they are missing out on
extra money.
There are three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland
that could help student carers during their studies.
Carer Support Payment
replaces Carer's Allowance in Scotland. Unlike Carer's Allowance,
it is available to more carers in education.
Young Carer Grant and
Carer's Allowance
Supplement are only available in Scotland.
Louise Reid, Student Support Adviser at the University of the
West of Scotland (UWS) and Financial Capability Champion on the
National Association of Student Money Advisors (NASMA) Board,
explains the importance of this type of help.
“Students, alongside wider society, are consistently pushed to
the limit financially from sources outside their control. The
cost of housing, energy and food have all been consistently high
and this hits student carers particularly hard.
“As caring responsibilities can limit or completely reduce any
capacity for part time work to top up existing student funding,
additional financial resources are vital.
“Carer Support Payment is an invaluable financial resource that
can make the difference between continuing with studies or not.
Being able to claim this benefit, whilst studying really makes
such a difference to students who provide care.”
To find out more about all Social Security Scotland payments for
carers, visit mygov.scot/carers or call
free on 0800 182 2222.
Background:
-
Carer Support
Payment is a payment of £81.90 a week and is
available to carers who are aged 16 or over and who provide
unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives
a qualifying disability benefit. They need to earn £151 a week
or less after tax, National Insurance and expenses.
Carers in education who may be eligible includes:
- Part time students - those who spend less than 21 hours a
week in class or doing coursework for any course
- Students aged 20 and over and who study full time for any
course
- Students aged 16-19, who study full time in advanced
education at university or for a college course such as a Higher
National Certificate and Higher National Diploma
- There are also some circumstances where students aged 16-19
studying over 21 hours a week in non-advanced education, such as
studying for National Certificates and Scottish Highers, who may
also be eligible if they meet certain criteria. Find out more
at If you study -
mygov.scot
-
Carer's Allowance
Supplement is an extra payment for eligible
unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer's
Allowance on the qualifying date. The payment is made twice a
year and is unique to Scotland. Each payment of Carer's
Allowance Supplement is currently £288.60. It is paid
automatically without the need to apply.
-
Young Carer
Grant is available for carers aged 16, 17 or 18
who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to
someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. It is a
yearly payment of £383.75 and the money can be spent on
whatever the young person wants.
- If you are an organisation that supports student carers in
Scotland, there are shareable resources, many of which are
available in different languages, via our resources pages on our
website:
Social Security Scotland -
Carer Support Payment Resources
Social Security Scotland -
Young Carer Grant Resources
