State of Caring 2025 exposes growing crisis for Scotland’s unpaid carers
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 25th November 2025
Nearly half of unpaid carers cut back on essentials as financial and health pressures intensify
Carers Scotland has published State of Caring: The Cost of Caring in Scotland 2025, the most comprehensive study of unpaid carers’ experiences across Scotland. Drawing on over 1,700 responses from unpaid carers in Scotland, the report lays bare the mounting financial, health and social costs faced by those providing care.
The findings show that rising living costs and limited social security support are pushing many carers into hardship. Unpaid carers often face higher household bills, care-related expenses and reduced income – leaving many cutting back on essentials, taking on debt and sacrificing long-term financial security.
Key findings from the report include:
- 48% of unpaid carers have cut back on essentials like food and heating
- 35% of unpaid carers have taken on debt
- 39% of unpaid carers report poor mental health and 30% poor physical health
- Only 13% of unpaid carers reported receiving a formal break form caring
The research highlights particular concern around the implication of efforts to eradicate child poverty. Parent carers and unpaid carers with dependent children are among the hardest hit, yet frequently remain unsupported. State of Caring 2025 found that over a quarter (27%) of parent carers with a disabled child aged 18 or under were struggling to make ends meet. This is often due to 58% of parent carers with a disabled child having been forced to reduce hours or give up paid employment because of their caring responsibilities, making it even harder to afford life’s essentials.
Ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in 2026, Carers Scotland are calling for action to:
- Reduce poverty and improve financial security
- Support carers physical and mental health
- Increase access to breaks from caring
- Enable carers to pursue work, training and education
You can find out more information about the research at State of Caring
And, you can view Carers Scotland’s manifesto asks at NCO Carers Manifesto
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