Nearly 300 teenagers in Scotland are giving up their studies and relying on benefits to provide full-time care for disabled family or friends, figures reveal,
(DWP) statistics show there were 280 under-18s receiving Carer’s Allowance across the country when a survey was carried out in February.
The benefit is paid to people aged 16 or over who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a sick or disabled person, are not in full-time education and earn less than £123 a week. It is currently worth £66.15 a week.
Laura Bennett, of the Carers Trust , said: “We’re concerned to hear about young carers whose responsibilities take up so much of their time that they’re not in education, employment or training.
“Young carers want the same things as other young people – the chance to go to college or university, and to get that first job.
“Local authorities are doing their best but budgetary pressures mean they can’t provide the level of support for young carers and their families that they are required to offer under the law.
“The Government must prioritise finding a long-term solution to social care funding so young carers’ life chances do not continue to be adversely affected.”
Charities say there are about 800,000 child carers across the UK.
