Young carers up to age 19 will now receive Young Carer Grant
following an expansion of the benefit delivered by Social
Security Scotland.
The grant which was previously open to 16 to 18-year-olds is a
Scottish only benefit that gives young carers a yearly payment of
£390.25.
The payment can be used to pay for whatever the young person
wants – like driving lessons, tech to help with work or study or
new clothes.
The grant is available to young people who spend at least 16
hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability
benefit. It is available to young people who are in education,
employed or out of work.
Social Justice Secretary, said:
“Young Carer Grant recognises the important contribution that
young carers make, and I'm proud that we're able to extend
eligibility further to include 19-year-olds.
“Young carers often miss out on activities enjoyed by other
people their age – Young Carer Grant provides some support
towards helping them do the things they like outside of their
caring responsibilities.
“This is just one of the improvements being made to support for
carers and our wider social security system, ensuring that people
are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
“I would encourage young carers across the country to check their
eligibility and to see what other support is available to them.”
Millie is 19 and cares for her mum and older sister in Fort
William. She said:
“I was told about the Young Carer Grant through our community
link worker and was able to apply for it when I was 16, 17 and 18
which was very beneficial towards my driving lessons and car
insurance. It's absolutely brilliant that Young Carer Grant is up
to the age of 19 now. It will definitely benefit a lot of young
adult carers who don't receive any financial benefits.”
Background
Young Carer Grant has been
available to young carers in Scotland since 2019.
Applicants must have been caring for one or more people for an
average of 16 hours a week for at least the last three months. If
they care for more than one person, they can combine the hours of
the people they care for to average 16 hours a week.
A total of 4,135 Young Carer Grant payments were made in the
2024/25 financial year. This is the highest number of payments in
a financial year since the grant's launch. (Young Carer Grant
statistics 2024/25)
Young carers providing care for 35 hours a week or more may be
entitled to Carer Support Payment. Young Carer Grant is not
available to people who already receive Carer Support Payment.
To find out more about social security support for unpaid carers
and to check eligibility, visit mygov.scot/carers
Information on other support, such as financial support,
wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found
at Help if you're a carer -
mygov.scot
