From 6th April 2025, more unpaid carers in Scotland could benefit from financial support as the eligible rules for the Carer Support Payment are set to change.

The earnings limit for the Carer Support Payment is to increase form £151 to £196 a week, meaning that a carer can earn more than £45 a week, following deductions from tax, National Insurance, and certain expenses, and be eligible for the payment. Alongside this, the earnings limit for carers in Scotland who receive Care’s Allowance will also increase to £196

This means that carers already receiving the Carer Support Payment will be undertake more paid work and still qualify for the payment. Those taking home £10,192 or less each year, who previously were unable to access the extra support.

To receive the Carer Support Payment of £83.30 a week, carers in Scotland also must be providing 35 hours or more of care a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.

Social justice secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “The Scottish government proposed back in 2022 to raise the earnings limit for Carer Support Payment once fully launched. This was on the back on strong feedback from carers and support organisations that the previous limit was set too low.

“The increase puts the earnings limit at a level which equates to 16 hours at the national living wage. Alongside other improvements we have made, this should help more carers to balance work with caring and provide more stable financial support.

“The Scottish government remains committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they’re entitled to, despite the UK government’s recent announcement on changes to welfare.”