Increased support for carers
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 14th April 2026
Read more about financial support available for unpaid carers in Scotland.
Financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland is being updated and improved to recognise the important role carers play in communities across the country.
Social Security Scotland is introducing a series of improvements to carer benefits, providing extra support to help with some of the challenges that caring can bring.
From March 2026, carers who look after more than one person for at least 20 hours a week will be able to claim the new Carer Additional Person Payment, worth over £500 a year for each additional cared-for person.
Other improvements include extending Carer Support Payment following the death of the cared-for person from 8 to 12 weeks and replacing Carer’s Allowance Supplement with Scottish Carer Supplement which will be paid alongside Carer Support Payment rather than in two annual payments as it is currently – meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly.
This is the latest in a series of improvements to support for carers which are unique to Scotland, and includes the extension of Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds and the extension of Carer Support Payment to more people in education.
For information about other support available for unpaid carers, visit mygov.scot/help-if -youre-a-carer
End of page.
You may also like:
The survey is part of research to improve the lives of Scottish LGBTQ+ communities.
Continue readingGeneral Pharmaceutical Council are raising awareness of buying medicines from fake online pharmacies and other illegal sellers.
Continue readingSocial support group for adults with any level of Deafness or tinnitus.
Continue readingFamily Fund are calling for Scottish Government to take bold action to reduce digital exclusion amongst families with a disabled child.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE celebrates five years since the launch of the Discover Digital Guide and wants you to help shape its refresh.
Continue readingObesity Action Scotland are hosting a focus group to hear your views on GLP-1 medicines.
Continue readingThis is your chance to help inform the Community Knowledge Matter (CKM) network.
Continue readingThe Gambling Harm and Mental Health fund is open for applicants
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingLast call for nominations for the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland.
Continue readingParticipate in a study into family or carer outcomes after critical illness (FOCUS), led by the University of Cambridge.
Continue readingLast call to nominate for the Frontline Awards 2026.
Continue readingRead our published response on the voting experiences of people who are Deaf, Deafblind, or who have Visual Impairments.
Continue readingComplete this consultation if you access optometry services, support people to access eye care services, or are an eye care professional.
Continue readingFirst FIFA tournament to have sign language interpretation broadcasts for all matches.
Continue readingThe annual survey by Carers UK helps to shape campaigns and policy work, based on the experiences of unpaid carers.
Continue readingThe Self Management Fund has awarded new grants to 23 organisations across Scotland
Continue readingTheresa Campbell, MSc Psychology student, is investigating the impact of deprivation following cancer treatment.
Continue readingLived experience participation in local decision making affected: "It's draining, I have a chronic condition, hence why I'm going to stop"
Continue readingThe Practice Learning Review Consultation will remain open until 23 July 2026
Continue readingRead our updated members handbook to discover the benefits of your ALLIANCE membership.
Continue readingThe MyCare app is available in the App Store and Play Store.
Continue readingMulti-year funding was at the centre of the Scottish Parliament debate on a Third Sector Partnership Agreement
Continue readingThe Self Management Programme is changing to focus on the Fund, share learning, and support better health and wellbeing in Scotland.
Continue readingTogethers' new training and consultancy offers are now live.
Continue reading