From next week the Young Carer Grant will be available for 16, 17 and 18 year olds who spend an average of 16 hours caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.
The Young Carer Grant is a new yearly cash payment of £300 for 16-18 year olds which carers can spend as they choose. Young carers can claim if they are at school, in further education, employed or unemployed and may be eligible if they meet all of the following criteria:
- they live in Scotland
- they are 16, 17 or 18 years of age when applying
- caring for an average of 16 hours per week, over a 13 week period
- care for someone normally paid a qualifying disability benefit
- they have not applied for or receive Carer’s Allowance
- they are not paid or volunteer to care
Applications will be accepted from 21 October online or through the Freephone helpline at 0800 182 2222. The helpline is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. A paper application will also be available and can be requested via the helpline or downloaded from the Social Security Scotland Website.
If you live in Fife and want any further information or support contact Fife Young Carers on 01592 786717
Fife Young Carers
Ore Valley Business Centre
93 Main Street
Lochgelly
KY5 9AF
Accompanying documents:
A Guide to Young Carer Grant leaflet
The above is From Fife Voluntary Action Bulletin 17 October 2019