Significant changes to Scotland’s carer benefits system will come into force on 15 March 2026, bringing more flexible, regular, and fair support for carers across the country. These changes follow the successful national rollout of Carer Support Payment (CSP) and the safe transfer of around 118,000 carers from Carer’s Allowance to the new Scottish system.
The Scottish Government aims to recognise the vital contribution made by unpaid carers, ensure financial stability, and make the system easier to navigate. Four priority improvements form the core of this next phase.
1. Scottish Carer Supplement – A New Weekly Boost
The new Scottish Carer Supplement (SCS) will replace Carer’s Allowance Supplement and will now be paid automatically alongside CSP.
- Worth £11.29 per week (2025/26), rising to £11.70 (2026/27).
- Paid regularly rather than twice‑yearly, giving carers more predictable income.
- Fully disregarded as income or capital.
2. Carer Additional Person Payment (CAPP) – Support for Multiple Caring Roles
For the first time in Scotland, carers supporting more than one person will receive extra financial help.
- £10 per week (2025/26), rising to £10.40 (2026/27), for each additional person cared for.
- Requires 20+ hours per week caring across additional person(s).
- No upper limit on the number of awards.
- Applications open 16 March 2026, with backdating to 15 March.
This is the first payment of its kind in the UK, recognising the complexity and pressure of multiple caring responsibilities.
3. Extended Bereavement Support
Where a cared‑for person sadly dies on or after 15 March 2026, carers will now receive a 12‑week run‑on of:
- Carer Support Payment
- Scottish Carer Supplement
- Carer Additional Person Payment
This is an increase from the current 8 weeks and provides greater stability during a very difficult time.
4. Fairer Rules for Temporary Breaks in Care
From 15 March, carers no longer need to meet the previous 14‑ or 22‑week caring requirement before qualifying for payment during a temporary break.
This change also extends to additional cared‑for people for CAPP purposes.
This offers greater flexibility during events such as illness, hospital admissions, or short‑term disruptions.
A More Supportive System for Carers
All payments—CSP, SCS, and CAPP—will be consolidated into one payment, simplifying budgeting for carers. Straight‑through processing and digital improvements will help ensure quick and accurate decisions, with support also available via Local Delivery teams for those needing face‑to‑face help.
These reforms mark a major milestone in Scotland’s commitment to dignity, fairness, and respect for unpaid carers.