Unpaid carers across Lanarkshire encouraged to apply for new benefit

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Unpaid carers across Lanarkshire are being encouraged to apply for a new benefit as it becomes available to more people.National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland is urging carers to prepare for the switch to the Carer Support Payment, which is gradually replacing Carer’s Allowance as part of a phased nationwide rollout.From Monday, November 4, residents in 19 additional local authority areas, including the two largest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, will be able to apply in the final stage of the benefit’s introduction.Administered by Social Security Scotland, the new benefit is worth £81.90 per week, or £327.60 every four weeks, for those providing 35 hours of care to a family member, friend, or neighbour.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The Carer Support Payment was first introduced in Perth & Kinross, Dundee, and Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles) in November last year, before being extended to Angus, North Lanarkshire, and South Lanarkshire.Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Unpaid carers make a vital contribution to our communities, and it’s important they don’t miss out on the financial support they’re entitled to.“Often, people don’t see themselves as carers because they view their role as just helping a family member or friend, not realising that these