Over 1,710 young people aged between 16 and 18 have qualified for the Young Carer Grant according to the latest figures published by Social Security Scotland.
This is a total investment of £490,052 from the Scottish Government to support young carers across the country.
The annual payment of £305.10 is available for 16 to 18-year-olds who spend an average of 16 hours each week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.
The person or people being cared for must have been getting one or more of these benefits for at least the last 13 weeks before an application is made:
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - the middle or highest rate for care
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children - the middle or highest rate for care
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - the daily living component
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Armed Forces Independence Payment
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Constant Attendance Allowance - at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement benefit or with a War Disablement Pension
Those eligible can apply if they are at school, in further education, employed or unemployed.
To support people through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, some changes were made to the way Social Security Scotland delivered some of their benefits.
This means they can accept applications from people who have recently turned 19, but were unable to apply at 18 due to Covid-19.
For more information and to apply visit the dedicated Young Carer Grant website here.
