Natalie Don MSP has welcomed a Scottish Government announcement that 2,715 unpaid carers across Renfrewshire will have their Carer’s Allowance Supplement doubled in December.

carer

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West hailed the increase of the supplement to £462.80 for unpaid carers, which follows the Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill passing its third and final stage in the Scottish Parliament today.

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid twice a year to carers who live in Scotland and receive Carer’s Allowance, paid by the Department for Work and Pensions, on specified qualifying dates. The qualifying date for the December 2021 double payment is 11 October 2021.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Unpaid carers across Renfrewshire have experienced an incredibly difficult time during the COVID-19 pandemic and, without their heroic efforts, our services would have been under greater strain.

“I’m pleased to see the SNP Government doubling the Carer’s Allowance Supplement in recognition of the vital contribution that dedicated carers are making in our communities, as they begin to face increased pressures on their incomes due to rising energy and food prices.

“While the out-of-touch UK Tory Government cuts Universal Credit at a time when those on the lowest incomes need it most, the Scottish Government is building a social security system in Scotland based on dignity, fairness and respect.

“The people of Renfrewshire and throughout Scotland must have the choice of a different path in a referendum for recovery to give us the chance to escape the callous decisions made on welfare at Westminster and gain full powers over social security so we can protect those who need supported most.”

To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance and the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, a carer must be providing 35 hours or more of care per week, and earn only up to £128 a week, after deductions, through paid work.

The person the carer looks after must be in receipt of one or more of the following disability benefits: Personal Independence Payment (daily living component), Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate), Attendance Allowance, constant Attendance Allowance (at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit), Constant Attendance Allowance (at the basic full day rate with a War Disablement Pension) or an Armed Forces Independence Payment.

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