Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the news that £600,000 has been paid to eligible young carers by the Scottish Government.
Over 2000 young carers received a payment between October 2019 and October 2020.
The Young Carer Grant is a payment of £305.10 for young people, aged 16, 17 and 18, who spend an average of 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.
This is an annual payment and young carers who still meet the eligibility should apply again once a year has passed since the date of their previous successful application. The money can be spent on anything that they like, for example a subscription to a video or music streaming service, new clothes or anything that helps them take a break from their caring responsibilities.
The SNP MSP for Cunninghame South said: “Young carers play a vital role in our society and while some young people may not recognise what they do as work, this grant rightly recognises their efforts.
“If you offer support for someone who receives a disability benefit, with anything from shopping or emotional support, you may be eligible for the Young Carers Grant. I encourage all young people in North Ayrshire who believe that they qualify to find out more on the MyGov website and apply if they are eligible.
“If a year has passed since your last application, please ensure to apply again to receive what you are entitled to.”
Paul Traynor, Policy and External Affairs Manager at Carers Trust Scotland said: “Carers Trust Scotland commend the Scottish Government for introducing the innovative Young Carer Grant last year, the first of its kind in the UK.
“Many young carers have difficulty accessing and participating in opportunities that are the norm for many other young people. This grant helps to recognise the immense contribution of young carers in Scotland.
“The Young Carer Grant has benefited many young carers to take part in more activities, pursue more of their aspirations and has helped to reduce social isolation.
“Many young carers have benefited from this support over the last year and we would encourage all young carers who are eligible to apply for a Young Carer Grant.”
- young carers can combine the hours they spend caring for up to three eligible people in order to reach the 16 hours a week requirement.
- to find out more and apply people should visit mygov.scot/benefits or call 0800 182 2222.
- the statistics cover the period of 21 October 2019 – 31 October 2020.
- the person or people the young person is caring for must have received one or more of the following benefits for at least the last three months:
- the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- the middle or highest care rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) including Child Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- constant Attendance Allowance – either: Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (at or above the normal maximum rate), or War Disablement Pension (at the basic rate)
Ruth Maguire MSP 