Young carers across Scotland are set to benefit from expanded financial support as the Young Carer Grant is extended to include eligible young people up to the age of 19.
The yearly payment — currently £390.25 — is delivered by Social Security Scotland and is available to young people who spend at least 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit. Until now, only 16–18-year-olds were eligible, meaning thousands more young carers will now be able to access the support.
The grant is designed to help improve young carers’ wellbeing and can be used for anything that benefits their daily life, whether that’s driving lessons, study materials, clothing, or technology that helps with school, work, or training. It is open to young carers regardless of whether they are in school, employment, further education, or currently out of work.
Since its introduction in 2019, the Young Carer Grant has continued to grow, with more than 4,000 payments made during the 2024/25 financial year — the highest annual total so far. Young carers providing 35 hours or more of unpaid care each week may also be eligible for the Carer Support Payment, although they cannot receive both forms of support at the same time.
Tom Arthur MSP welcomed the expansion and said: “Young carers play an essential and often unseen role in supporting loved ones, and the extension of the Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds is a welcome and meaningful step. Too often, young carers miss out on opportunities that their peers enjoy, simply because of the responsibilities they carry at home.
“This expansion will make a real difference for young people in our communities who give so much of themselves in support of others. I encourage any eligible young carer in Renfrewshire South to check whether they can access this assistance and explore the wider range of support available.”
Full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found at www.mygov.scot/carers.