Carer Support Payment - How much Carer Support Payment will I get?

Carer Support Payment is money that you can spend as you want. The weekly rate is £86.45. 

How will I be paid Carer Support Payment? 

Carer Support Payment is normally paid every 4 weeks, at the end of the 4 weeks.

It will be paid directly into your bank account or building society account. If you don't have a bank account, Social Security Scotland will contact you about payment options after you apply. 

Carer’s Premiums and Additions

Even if you don't receive a payment of Carer Support Payment due to overlapping benefit rules, entitlement to it allows you to get an extra amount, called 'Carer's Premium or Addition', as part of other benefits, so you should still make a claim. Carer's Premiums/Additions can be added to or considered for: 

• Universal Credit 
• Pension Credit 
• Council Tax Support 
• Housing Benefit (England, Wales, Scotland) and Housing Benefit (Northern Ireland) 

Carer Support Payment and other benefits

Carer Support Payment (after tax) counts in full as income when calculating your entitlement to other means-tested benefits .

In some cases, you may meet the conditions for both Carer Support Payment and another benefit, such as State Pension or New Style Employment and Support Allowance. As these benefits overlap, you may not receive a payment of Carer Support Payment, even though you would if it weren't for the other benefit you receive.

However, it's still worth to apply for Carer Support Payment even if you don't receive a payment, as you can get a Carer's Premium/Additional amount included in your means-tested benefit .

If the other benefit you receive is worth less than Carer Support Payment, your other benefit can be 'topped up' to the current rate of Carer Support Payment so you don't lose out. The rules about overlapping benefits are complicated and you may need to get advice from an expert benefits adviser.

Benefit Cap 

If you or your partner qualifies for Carer Support Payment, you are exempt from the Benefit Cap. Visit our Benefit Cap guide for more details. 

Scottish Carer Supplement 

Scottish Carer Supplement is an extra payment automatically added to Carer Support Payment. It replaces the old Carer’s Allowance Supplement, which used to be paid twice a year. 

In 2026/27, it’s worth £11.70 a week and is paid at the same time as Carer Support Payment. 

If you live in Scotland but still get Carer’s Allowance instead of Carer Support Payment, you’ll continue to get Carer’s Allowance Supplement instead. This is a paid twice a year and is £304.65 each time.

For more information on Scottish Carer Supplement, visit the MYGOV.SCOT website. 

Carer Additional Person Payment

If you care for more than one person, you might be able to get extra money on top of your Carer Support Payment. Visit our section on Carer Additional Person Payment for more info.