If you are an unpaid carer in Scotland who is still in education, you may be entitled to financial support.

There are three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland that could help student carers during their studies

• Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland.
• Young Carer Grant
•  Carer’s Allowance Supplement 

Carer Support Payment 

• a payment of £81.90 a week and is available to carers who are aged 16 or over and who provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.  They need to earn £151 a week or less after tax, National Insurance and expenses.

Carers in education who may be eligible include:     

• Part time students – those who spend less than 21 hours a week in class or doing coursework for any course    
• Students aged 20 and over and who study full time for any course    
• Students aged 16-19, who study full time in advanced education at university or for a college course such as a Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma   
• There are also some circumstances where students aged 16-19 studying over 21 hours a week in non-advanced education, such as studying for National Certificates and Scottish Highers, who may also be eligible if they meet certain criteria. Find out more at   If you study – mygov.scot 

Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Available only in Scotland)

An extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date. The payment is made twice a year and is unique to Scotland. Each payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement is currently £288.60.  It is paid automatically without the need to apply.   

Young Carer Grant  (Available only in Scotland)

For carers aged 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. It is a yearly payment of £383.75 and the money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.   

To find out more about all Social Security Scotland payments for carers, visit mygov.scot/carers or call free on 0800 182 2222.  

National Student Money Week March 2025 National Student Money Week 2025 – NASMA