For immediate release:

SOUTH LANARKSHIRE TO BENEFIT FROM CARER’S ALLOWANCE SUPPLEMENT

MSP Clare Haughey has welcomed the news that carers across Rutherglen and Cambuslang will receive the first payments of the new Carer’s Allowance Supplement from mid-September, back-dated to April.

The new benefit will be paid twice a year by Social Security Scotland, the first major new public service to be created since devolution.

Eligible carers will get a supplementary payment of £221, equivalent to an extra £8.50 per week, which is an increase of 13% on the Carer’s Allowance paid by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is worth more than £30 million a year and will benefit 5388 people in South Lanarkshire.

Commenting, Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said:

“This roll out of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement marks the beginning of a bright new chapter in Scottish public service.

“The Scottish Government is committed to delivering a fairer system for social security: one that affords carers the dignity and respect they are due as a result of their selfless dedication.

“We appreciate the contribution carers make to our society and we have always advocated that Carer’s Allowance should be the same rate as Jobseeker’s Allowance. It follows that the new powers over social security mean that we can make this a reality and put more money into the pockets of carers as a thank you for their tireless efforts.”

Carers are not required to do anything to receive this payment as, if eligible, it will happen automatically and be paid using the same method that people get their Carer’s Allowance from the DWP. Letters will be sent from Social Security Scotland in the week beginning September 10th to make those eligible aware of the expected payment in advance.

ENDS

Notes:

• Below is a photograph taken previously of Clare Haughey MSP with Rutherglen Community Carers.

• Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be paid to carers who were in receipt of Carer’s Allowance from the DWP on the qualifying date of Monday 16 April.

Date published: 30th August 2018