MORE than £450,000 was paid out to Inverclyde carers in June through a Scotland-only benefit, according to new statistics.

Carers Allowance Supplement is paid twice a year to people who are receiving Carer's Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions or Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland on key eligibility dates.

In the last round of payments, more than £450,000 was paid to eligible carers in Inverclyde.

The extra payment was introduced to recognise the contribution of unpaid carers. In the financial year 2024/2025, each Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment is £288.60.

Since launching in 2018, more than 21,000 payments have been paid to more than 3,100 carers in Inverclyde, totalling £5.9 million.

Carers do not need to apply for Carer’s Allowance Supplement as it is paid automatically. People will get two payments a year if they qualify. 

Social Security Scotland writes to eligible carers in advance so they know when to expect a payment.

 The next eligibility date for Carer’s Allowance Supplement this year is 7 October and payments will be made after this date.

To find out about eligibility for Carer’s Allowance Supplement, people can visit mygov.scot/carers-allowance-supplement. They can also call free on 0800 182 2222.