East Ayrshire carers have received over £750,000 through a Scotland-only benefit in June.

Statistics reveal 2,665 workers received the money, and the extra payment was introduced to recognise the contribution of unpaid carers.

In the financial year 2024/2025, each Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment is £288.60.

Carers Allowance Supplement is paid twice a year to people who are receiving Carer's Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions or Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland on key eligibility dates.  

Since launching in 2018, over 33,000 payments have been paid to over 5,000 carers in East Ayrshire, totalling £9.4 million. 

Patrick, who cares for his 10-year-old autistic son, received Carer's Allowance Supplement in June.

He said: “My son needs a lot of care and support. I love being able to look after him, but it can be tough. Carer’s Allowance Supplement has been a godsend. I used my first payment to help pay for a new washing machine.

“This year I used it to buy new clothes and to pay for a few activities me and my son wouldn’t normally be able to afford.” 

Carers do not need to apply for Carer’s Allowance Supplement as it is an automatic payment, but people will get two payments a year if they qualify.  

Social Security Scotland writes to eligible carers in advance so they know when to expect a payment. 

The next eligibility date for Carer’s Allowance Supplement in 2024 is Monday, October 7 and payments will be made after this date. 

For more information you can call 0800 182 2222 or visit the mygov.scot website.