ALLIANCE response to the Scottish Carer’s Assistance consultation
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 23rd May 2022
The response broadly welcomes the proposals, and calls for fast tracking of changes that would widen eligibility and increase payments.
The Scottish Government have been consulting on proposals Scottish Carer’s Assistance (this link will take you away from our website), which will replace Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. The ALLIANCE welcome many of the proposals in the consultation, with our recommendations summarised as follows:
- Remove the ‘past presence test’ from eligibility criteria.
- Introduce strict limits on the circumstances in which payments will be suspended.
- Continue awards of £0 after six months in appropriate circumstances.
- Continue to pay Scottish Carer’s Assistance whilst the person who is being cared for is receiving short-term assistance.
- Consider offering the choice between receiving Carer’s Allowance Supplement at the same time as Scottish Carer’s Assistance, or in the current twice-yearly lump sump.
- Amend the proposed eligibility criteria for a Carer’s Additional Person Payment.
- Introduce the welcome proposals for future changes to Scottish Carer’s Assistance, including expanding eligibility to carers in full time education, carers working more hours, and increasing the period payments continue to be made after a bereavement, from the outset rather than a point in the future.
- Co-produce a payment for long term carers with people with lived experience and the National Carer Organisations.
In addition to our consultation response, the ALLIANCE held two engagement sessions, one to hear from carers with sensory loss, and the other carers with learning disabilities. The reports from these events have also been submitted to the Scottish Government and will inform their approach to the new payment.
You can read our response and the event reports via the links below.
End of document.
End of page.
You may also like:
Take part in participant-led rail journey research
Continue readingThe committee wants greater involvement from lived experience to strengthen their work.
Continue readingLived experience and peer support driving mental health transformation in Scotland.
Continue readingThe new platform ‘MyCare.scot’ is being led by the Scottish Government and Public Services Delivery Scotland.
Continue readingRead more about financial support available for unpaid carers in Scotland.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, we celebrate the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do, and why it matters.
Continue readingLucy Mulvagh, Director of Policy, Research and Impact, at the ALLIANCE is moving on after 10 years supporting the organisation.
Continue readingParties set out positions on human rights, social care and more at our hustings ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.
Continue readingThe Digital Citizen Panel's monthly Conversation Cafe - Bring a Buddy has launched an 'On the Road' offer and is looking for hosts
Continue readingThese stories illustrate how system-minded, compassionate leadership is influencing transformation across health and social care in Scotland
Continue readingAfter the Scottish Government scrapped the initial review, the most recent proposal suggests a smaller number of broader outcomes.
Continue readingCare Roadshow Scotland to showcase leading innovation in care and latest sector updates at upcoming show.
Continue readingThis short report provides an overview of the role of housing in health and social care integration.
Continue readingWorking together to support families through a new whole household approach
Continue readingA coalition of organisations urges immediate support as rising costs threaten people most at risk across Scotland.
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services.
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingEuropean Patients Forum announces 2026 training for young patient advocates to build skills and shape healthcare.
Continue readingTake part in this survey if you have a long term condition, are Deaf, Deafblind or have a Visual Impairment
Continue readingLearn more about the Parkrun BSL glossary and YouTube video series
Continue readingFind Lipreading classes local to you
Continue readingPaid internship opportunity for school leavers with Visual Impairment
Continue readingAn examination of the role of social workers in alleviating stigma experienced by members of the Deaf community in Ireland and the UK
Continue readingThis study is for young people aged 12–16 years living in Scotland, who are Blind or have Severe Sight Impairment
Continue reading