MSP’s plea to teenage carers

Teenagers in Lanarkshire are being urged to apply for a Young Carer Grant if they are eligible.

Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson has urged young people to check if they are eligible for financial help available to young carers in Scotland.

Since being introduced in 2019 by the Scottish Government, the Young Carer Grant has delivered over £ 3 million to over 6600 teenage carers.

However, The Carers Trust – a leading carers’ charity – says many young people who look after others do not recognise themselves as carers, as they see the support they give as just part of family life.

As a result, they do not know they’re entitled to benefits.

Scottish Government figures suggest around 25 per cent of those eligible for Young Carer Grant in 2022-23 did not apply. The Young Carer Grant, paid by Social Security Scotland, is available to those aged 16-18 who spend 16 or more hours a week looking after someone who gets a disability benefit.

Ms Adamson said: “Carers play a crucial role but lots of young people who look after a relative, friend, or someone in their community do not think of themselves as carers.

“This means they could be missing out on financial support. Scottish Government support has delivered over £ 3 million to young carers but there are still young carers out there who don’t know they are eligible.

“I am urging my constituents in Motherwell and Wishaw to find out more about the Young Carer Grant. If you are aged 16 to 18 and you are looking after someone then find out more about support through Social Security Scotland.”

You can find out more online at socialsecurity.gov.scot or you can call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222 to apply over the phone.

If you do not have a bank account and would like help to set one up, your local Citizens Advice Bureau can give you advice and support.