Teenage carers urged to apply for grants

Young carers are urged to apply for Young Carer Grant which could land them potentially an extra £360.

Marking Young Carer’s Action Day, Scotland’s teenage carers are being urged to check if they are eligible for the payment.

Young people aged between 16 and 18 who are caring for someone who receives a disability benefit for an average of 16 hours a week could qualify.

The payment is available to those at school, in further education, employed or unemployed. People will only be able to apply once a year as long as they remain eligible.

The financial support, which is one of seven benefits only available in Scotland, is available annually to those who are eligible and can be spent on anything the young person chooses. Subject to parliamentary approval, from April, 1 the payment will increase from £326.65 to £359.65.

Those who have received the payment will be able to sign up for a reminder for the following year, as long as they are eligible to ensure that they don’t miss out on future grants.

The Scottish Government introduced Young Carer Grant in October 2019 to help young people with caring responsibilities. It is part of a wider package of support available to young carers funded by the Scottish Government.

Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson commented on the grant as they said:“There are lots of young people with caring responsibilities who may not be aware that they are eligible for financial support as young carers.

“I would urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to find out more about the Young Carer Grant and apply for the money they are entitled to.”

Eligible Young Carers can apply online at mygov.scot/benefits or by calling 0800 128 2222.