Scottish Government proposes additional payment for carers in response to coronavirus pandemic

One-off supplement of £230.10 would be an acknowledgement to carers 'that we know that they are doing even more right now, and we thank you', says Cabinet Secretary

The Scottish Government has proposed an additional payment for carers in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Announcing the introduction of emergency legislation to provide for a special one-off Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement of £230.10, the Scottish Government says that, if approved by the Scottish Parliament, it would be paid automatically to around 83,000 carer's allowance recipients in June 2020, at an overall cost of £19.2 million.

Welcoming the proposal, Cabinet Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said today -

'The payment will benefit carers who are on low incomes and already have some of the most intense caring roles, providing at least 35 hours unpaid care weekly to a disabled child or adult in receipt of higher level disability benefits.

This additional payment would be an acknowledgement to carers that we know that they are doing even more right now, and we thank you.'

For more information, see Extra payment for unpaid carers from gov.scot