New grant for young carers

Renfrewshire teenagers are being asked for their views on plans to deliver a new grant worth £300 a year to young carers.

The Young Carer Grant will be available to carers aged 16-17, not in receipt of Carers’ Allowance, who spend 16 hours or more a week caring for people entitled to qualifying disability benefits.

Welfare bosses added those aged 18 years who are still at school will also be eligible.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I recognise the immense contribution young carers make to our society and I know from meeting young carers across Scotland that it can be difficult for them to access the learning, work and leisure opportunities that are the norm for their non-caring peers.

“That is why we are creating the Young Carer Grant.

“This brand new benefit will be available to around 1,700 eligible young carers from next autumn and will offer additional financial support that can be put towards improving their own health, wellbeing and life chances.

“The grant is part of a package of support for young carers which will also include free bus travel from 2020/21, subject to a successful pilot.”

The grants are included in a package of benefits devolved to Holyrood which will be paid through Social Security Scotland.

For more information, visit https://consult.gov.scot/