New Young Carer Grant for 16 – 17 Year Olds

By theorkneynews on September 18, 2018 • ( Leave a comment )

Consultation opened

The Scottish Government is encouraging young carers who are not in receipt of a carer’s allowance to share their views on a new Young Carer Grant which will be available to carers aged 16-17 (18 if they are still at school).

The consultation open until 10th of December can be accessed here: Consultation on Young Carer Grant Regulations

“The grant will provide a £300 one-off payment, which can be applied for annually for young carers aged 16-17 (and 18 if still at school) with significant caring responsibilities. The Young Carer Grant aims to provide some financial support during a key transition period in young carers’ lives to help improve their health and education outcomes as they move into the adult world.”

It will be delivered by Social Security Scotland.

Shirley-Anne Somerville,Social Security Secretary in the Scottish Government said:

“I recognise the immense contribution young carers make to our society and I know from meeting young carers across Scotland that it can be difficult for them to access the learning, work and leisure opportunities that are the norm for their non-caring peers.

“That is why we are creating the Young Carer Grant. This brand new benefit will be available to around 1,700 eligible young carers from next autumn and will offer additional financial support that can be put towards improving their own health, wellbeing and life chances. The grant is part of a package of support for young carers which will also include free bus travel from 2020/21, subject to a successful pilot.

“As with the benefits being devolved to Scotland, we have worked with those with personal experience to develop this grant. We have now reached the stage where we need views from all young carers and stakeholders to ensure that this benefit, which will be paid through Social Security Scotland, delivers what we want and what young carers deserve – a healthy and fulfilling life alongside caring.”

The new grant, estimated to help around 1,700 every year, will be worth £300 a year to eligible young carers . From April 2019 there will be an additional element for young carers as part of the Young Scot National Entitlement Card.