Explainers

Payments to Carers

Carer Support Payment (CSP) will replace Carer’s Allowance (CA), which is paid to individuals who provide unpaid care for someone who is disabled and has substantial caring needs. The pilot for CSP has begun in November 2023 and the payment launched nationally in November 2024.

Our forecast of CSP covers the Scottish Government’s plans to introduce Carer’s Additional Person Payment (CAPP) which will provide £10 per week to individuals receiving CSP and caring for more than one disabled person. We assume that CAPP is launched after the case transfer from DWP is complete.

Additionally, carers who receive CA or CSP in Scotland are entitled to and receive Carers Allowance Supplement (CAS). CAS is paid biannually by Social Security Scotland using information on people living in Scotland and receiving CA or CSP on a specific qualifying date, with no need to apply separately.

Social Security Scotland also pays an annual Young Carer Grant for carers aged under nineteen. We do not produce a forecast for Young Carer Grant as the spending is below our materiality threshold.