The Young Carer Grant, which is unique to Scotland, was increased from £308.15 to £326.65 from 1 April 2022.

 2,490 applications were approved in 2021-22, up 200 from the previous year.

The payment is available for 16-18 year-olds who spend an average of 16 hours caring for a person or people in receipt of a disability benefit. As long as someone remains eligible, they can apply on an annual basis.

Click on this link to find out more and how to apply for The Young Carer Grant: Young Carer Grant or phone 0800 182 2222.

In total 9,460 applications were received for Young Carer Grant by 30 April 2022, 3,930 of which were received in the 2021/22 financial year. The 2021/22 financial year saw the highest number of yearly applications to date, accounting for 42% of all applications received by 30 April 2022

Of the 9,460 applications received by the end of April 2022, approximately 35% were for an applicant aged 16 years, 38% were for an applicant aged 17 years, and 24% were for an applicant aged 18 years

Ben Macpherson, Minister for Social Security in the Scottish Government said:

“The dedication shown by young carers in Scotland is remarkable and I am pleased that we can help to recognise their important contribution by offering extra financial support through the Scottish Government’s Young Carer Grant.

“At a time when many young people are leaving school and taking advantage of new opportunities, it is right that we recognise for many people aged between 16 and 18 those chances are impacted by their caring responsibilities and the time they devote to loved ones.

“I am encouraged by the increase in successful applications for our Young Carer Grant, which is only available in Scotland, and we will continue to pro-actively increase awareness and encourage take up of this benefit.

“If anyone thinks they, or someone they know, might be eligible, I’d encourage them to find out more and apply.

Click on this link to find out more and how to apply for The Young Carer Grant: Young Carer Grant or phone 0800 182 2222.