Unpaid carers urged to check financial eligibility

Unpaid carers in East Lothian are being asked to check their eligibility for financial assistance of the Carer Support Payment <i>(Image: Pixabay)</i>
Unpaid carers in East Lothian are being asked to check their eligibility for financial assistance of the Carer Support Payment (Image: Pixabay)
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UNPAID carers in East Lothian have been encouraged to check their eligibility for financial assistance.

From the census statistics from 2022, it was revealed that there were 13,147 unpaid carers in the county.

Local MSP Paul McLennan has urged these individuals to see if they qualify for support from Social Security Scotland.

This follows the introduction of the Carer Support Payment last month, which has replaced the Carer’s Allowance in Scotland.

The new payment has widened its scope to include those in full-time education and introduced backdating for certain applicants.

The new payments join existing support like the Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement available to carers in Scotland.

Unpaid carers can find out more about what they are entitled to by visiting the Social Security Scotland website.

Mr McLennan said: "Unpaid carers go above and beyond to support those they care for – so it is absolutely vital that they access the support they are entitled to.

"The latest figures show that there are 13,147 unpaid carers in East Lothian.

"I would urge all of them to ensure they are receiving the support they deserve."

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