Grant support available for north-east young carers
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Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson is encouraging young carers to check if they are eligible for funding.
The Young Carer Grant, which is marking its second anniversary, is a payment of £305.10 awarded on an annual basis for 16, 17 and 18-year-olds who spend an average of 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.
Those who have already had a payment are able to apply again if a year has passed since they received their money.
Up to July 31, 2020, Social Security Scotland had paid out a total of £490,052 to 1710 young carers across Scotland.
Mr Stevenson said: “Young carers play a vital role in the lives of many people across Scotland.
“This is another important step in demonstrating how the Scottish Government is using social security powers to provide extra support to those who need it.
“I would encourage young carers who are eligible for the payment to apply and those who have already had the payment and who may still be eligible to reapply for the grant.”
A young carer, might be looking after someone in their family, a friend, or a neighbour.
When applying for the Young Carer Grant, applicants can add the details of up to three people they are caring for to total the minimum of 16 hours a week.
If a young person volunteers or gets paid to be a carer for the person or people they plan to include when they apply, they cannot receive the grant. This includes caring for someone as part of a volunteering scheme or as their job.
If they get Carer's Allowance, they cannot also get the grant.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Young carers play a vital role in the lives of many people across Scotland and I am glad we can use our social security powers to provide them with the extra support that they deserve.
“As we approach the time where many young carers will once again become eligible for the payment, I strongly encourage them to re-apply if they still meet all the eligibly criteria and for new young carers to apply for the first time."
For more information on the grant visit www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant
