Under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018, the Scottish Government devolved carer welfare benefits away from the DWP to Social Security Scotland, replacing UK Carer’s Allowance with the Carer Support Payment.
To recognise the vital contribution of unpaid carers, Social Security Scotland pays an extra devolved benefit called the Carer’s Allowance Supplement (CAS). This supplement consists of two automatic lump-sum payments per year (paid in June and December), raising total carer benefit income in Scotland significantly above the rest of the UK.
⚙️ Rules & Thresholds
- Eligibility Criteria for Carer’s Allowance Supplement (CAS):
- Must live in Scotland on the qualifying dates (typically mid-April for June payment and mid-October for December payment).
- Must be in receipt of Scottish Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date.
- Must provide at least 35 hours of care per week for a disabled person receiving qualifying disability benefits (ADP, PIP, DLA, or AA).
- Bi-Annual Payment Schedule (2026/27):
- June Payment: £288.60 lump sum.
- December Payment: £288.60 lump sum.
- Total Annual Supplement Top-Up: £577.20 / year.
- Weekly Base Carer Benefit: £81.90 per week (£4,258.80 / year).
- Total Annual Scottish Carer Income:
Base Benefit (£4,258.80) + CAS Supplement (£577.20) = £4,836.00 / year(effective weekly income of £93.00 / week).
📊 Practical Examples
- Residency: Scotland (Eligible for Social Security Scotland CAS)
- Weekly Base Carer Support Payment: £81.90 / week (£4,258.80 / year)
- Bi-Annual Supplement Payments: £288.60 in June + £288.60 in December (£577.20 / year)
Total Annual Income Received: £4,258.80 + £577.20 = **£4,836.00 / year**.
Effective Weekly Equivalent Income: £4,836.00 / 52 = **£93.00 / week**.
Financial Difference vs Rest of UK: Scottish carers receive **£577.20 / year MORE** than carers in England or Wales.
📑 Common Pitfalls
- Moving Out of Scotland Before Qualifying Dates: Moving to England or Wales before the April or October qualifying dates forfeits that 6-month supplement payment.
- Exceeding the Weekly Net Earnings Cap: Earning more than the statutory net earnings limit (£151/week after allowable care and pension deductions) cancels entitlement to base Carer Support Payment, automatically cancelling CAS.
- Failing to Claim Overlapping Benefits Correctly: Carer Support Payment interacts with Universal Credit via the Carer Element (£198.31/mo), which can be claimed alongside CAS.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Carer's Allowance Supplement (CAS) is an extra devolved payment created by the Scottish Government and paid by Social Security Scotland. It awards two automatic lump-sum payments per year (worth £288.60 each in June and December) to eligible carers living in Scotland.
No. If you are receiving Scottish Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance and live in Scotland on the qualifying dates, Social Security Scotland pays the supplement automatically into your bank account without requiring a separate application.
Carer's Allowance Supplement is treated as taxable income for Scottish Income Tax purposes. However, it is only taxed if your total annual income from all sources exceeds your Personal Allowance (£12,570).
Carer Support Payment is the Scottish Government's replacement for UK Carer's Allowance, administered by Social Security Scotland. It offers the same weekly base rate but expanded eligibility for carers in full-time education.