Young people are being asked for their views on plans to deliver a new grant worth £300 a year to young carers.
The Young Carer Grant will be available to carers aged 16-to-17, not in receipt of Carers Allowance, who spend 16 hours or more a week caring for people entitled to qualifying disability benefits. 18-year-old carers who are at still at school will also be eligible.
Launching the consultation, Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, said, ‘I recognise the immense contribution young carers make to our society and I know from meeting young carers across Scotland that it can be difficult for them to access the learning, work, and leisure opportunities that are the norm for their non-caring peers.
‘That is why we are creating the Young Carer Grant. This brand new benefit will be available to around 1,700 eligible young carers from next autumn and will offer additional financial support that can be put towards improving their own health, wellbeing, and life chances. The grant is part of a package of support for young carers which will also include free bus travel from 2020 / 2021, subject to a successful pilot.
‘As with the benefits being devolved to Scotland, we have worked with those with personal experience to develop this grant. We have now reached the stage where we need views from all young carers and stakeholders to ensure that this benefit, which will be paid through Social Security Scotland, delivers what we want, and what young carers deserve – a healthy and fulfilling life alongside caring.’
The consultation on the Young Carer Grant is open until 10th December. For more information, visit www.consult.gov.scot/social-security/consultation-on-young-carer-grant-regulations.
