Young people providing part-time care for family or friends urged to claim £359 one-off payment this winter

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Young carers in Scotland are being urged to do something for themselves during this season of giving and claim the financial support they are entitled to.

Social Security Scotland is encouraging eligible people to apply for the annual £359.65 Young Carer Grant this winter.Young people may be looking after a family member or friend, providing support for someone with a disability, illness or addiction.

They may be helping them with their mental health by reminding them to take their medication, doing their shopping, cleaning, cooking, or translating for them.The latest figures for Young Carer Grant show that over 10,000 payments have been issued up to the end of September this year - a total of more than £3.2 million, since the grant launched in Scotland in 2019.

The support is one of 14 devolved payments only available to people living north of the border.Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “December is a busy and expensive time for everyone, with young carers balancing their studies and/or work alongside their vital caring roles.