In a move to recognise the vital work of unpaid carers in Scotland, Social Security Scotland will issue an additional payment of £293.50 to eligible carers in mid-December 2025.
Known as the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, this biannual payment is designed to provide financial support to those receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.
No separate claim is needed — the payment is automatic for qualifying individuals. Here’s everything you need to know: eligibility, dates, how it’s paid, and what it means for carers.
Who Is Eligible
To qualify for the Carer’s Allowance Supplement in December 2025, you must:
- Live in Scotland.
- Be receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 13 October 2025 (the qualifying date).
- Be an unpaid carer — providing care to a family member, friend or neighbour.
Even if you are waiting on an application outcome for either of those benefits on the qualifying date, you will still qualify. There is no application required specifically for the Supplement — as long as you meet the conditions, payment is automatic.
Key Details
| Item | What You Should Know |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | £293.50 per instalment |
| Frequency | Twice a year (every six months) |
| Payment Periods | June and December each year (for 2025: June and December) |
| Qualifying Dates 2025 | 14 April 2025 (for June payment), 13 October 2025 (for December payment) |
| Who Gets It | Those living in Scotland receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date |
| Estimate of Recipients | Approximately 90,000 unpaid carers in Scotland for each instalment |
| Application Needed? | No — paid automatically to eligible recipients |
| Notification | Letter from Social Security Scotland sent before payment, maybe after funds have cleared in bank account |
What Carer Support Payment & Carer’s Allowance Are
- These payments are benefits to support those who provide unpaid care.
- The Carer Support Payment is the devolved benefit in Scotland, replacing new claims for Carer’s Allowance. It is paid every four weeks.
- Carer’s Allowance is offered by the UK Department for Work & Pensions for those already on it, and for some transitioning over.
Both payments serve similar functions: helping carers meet their financial needs as they devote time and effort to caring roles.
When & How You’ll Get the December Payment
- The qualifying date is 13 October 2025. If on that date you have Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance, you’re in.
- The payment of £293.50 will arrive in December 2025.
- Social Security Scotland will send you a letter informing you you are eligible. In some cases, the letter arrives after the payment lands.
- The Supplement is paid into the same bank account you receive your regular Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement offers a valuable boost — £293.50 — to unpaid carers in Scotland this December 2025, without the hassle of applying.
Eligibility is based simply on whether you are receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date (13 October 2025). It acknowledges the essential role unpaid carers play, easing financial pressure during challenging times.
If you qualify, watch for the notification letter and ensure your benefit payments are up to date. This is one of the few benefit supplements designed to be straightforward, automatic and aimed directly at supporting unpaid carers.
FAQs
Do I need to apply separately for the December payment?
No — if you are eligible (receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 13 October 2025 and living in Scotland), you will receive £293.50 automatically.
What if I started receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance after the qualifying date?
You will not be eligible for that instalment. Eligibility is determined by whether you are receiving the benefit on the qualifying date.
Will this payment affect my other benefits or my tax?
Generally, the Carer’s Allowance Supplement does not count as income for most other benefits. It may, however, be taxable, depending on your total income across the year.
