A majority of Scotland’s 83,000 eligible carers will today receive a cash boost as the second carer’s allowance supplement payments of 2019 are made.

A temporary payment, the supplement was the first benefit introduced by the Scottish Government’s new agency, Social Security Scotland, in 2018 to quickly increase the level of carer’s allowance being paid in Scotland. It will eventually be replaced by a new Scottish benefit.  

The UK Government’s department for work and pensions is responsible for the carer’s allowance – a payment of £66.15 per week to those provide regular care to disabled people in their own homes for at least 35 hours a week.

The supplement – a twice yearly payment – takes this up to the equivalent of £74.85 per week.

Those in receipt of the allowance automatically get the supplement and do not need to make any additional application.

Social security secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the supplement “has helped so many carers throughout Scotland” and was established as recognition of their “invaluable contribution to society”.

Following an announcement that the allowance – currently £66.15 per week – would be increased in line with inflation next year to £67.25, representative body and charity Carers UK said the increase “won’t do much for carers who are struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table.

“Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind and Carers UK is calling on the next government to significantly increase the benefit and associated premia to make it fairer for carers across the UK.”