Charity Carers Scotland has welcomed a rise to the earnings limit which will see more unpaid carers eligible to receive Carer Support Payment.

From the 7th of April, unpaid carers who provide at least 35 hours of care each week will be able to earn up to £2,340 more per year in paid employment and remain eligible for the payment.

Carers Scotland says the increase – the largest in 40 years – will provide extra financial security to unpaid carers living on a low income, who will now be able to work the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage.

While many carers will be able to access the payments for the first time from this month, the charity says it’s ‘vital’ the earnings limit be formally tied to the National Living Wage so carers do not need to reduce their working hours in the future.

This payment is for unpaid carers providing care to someone who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, who needs extra help as they get older or is affected by addiction.

Responding to the news, Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Carers Scotland, said:

“The new threshold amount applies once a carer has taken away deductions for tax, national insurance and half of any pension contribution. Carers may also be able to deduct some of the costs to provide care whilst working.

“We would encourage all carers in employment or who are thinking about returning to employment to find out more about Carer Support Payment and the earnings threshold from the Carers Scotland website or by contacting the Carers UK advice line.”

The shift in the earnings threshold comes alongside a small rise in the value of payment, which will increase from £81.90 to £83.30 a week.

Announcing the expanded eligibility and increase to the payment, Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the government hopes the changes will provide “more stable financial support” for carers balancing work and unpaid caring.

She added:

“The Scottish government remains committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they’re entitled to, despite the UK government’s recent announcement on changes to welfare.”

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