Student carers urged not to miss out on vital financial support
As thousands of students begin their college or university studies, those with caring roles are being urged to check they’re getting all the financial help they’re entitled to.
Around 30,000 unpaid carers are currently studying at Scottish colleges and universities, according to Carers Trust Scotland. These students face unique challenges, providing emotional, mental or physical support to family members, friends or neighbours whilst juggling lectures, coursework and student life.
However, support is available. Social Security Scotland delivers three payments that could make a real difference to student carers across Scotland.
Carer Support Payment provides £83.30 per week and is available to many students in education, including those studying full-time.
Carer's Allowance Supplement provides additional support in Scotland for those who receive Carer Support Payment.
Young Carer Grant offers an annual payment of £390.25 to carers aged 16-18.
Eligibility depends on factors including the number of hours spent caring, the type of course being studied, and whether the person being cared for receives a disability benefit.
Research shows that student carers are four times more likely to drop out of their studies than other students. Financial difficulties are cited as being a major contributing factor alongside time constraints. That’s where payments for carers can help ease some of the pressures faced.
Paul Traynor, Head of External Affairs at Carers Trust Scotland said: “Student carers face enormous pressures balancing their studies with their unpaid caring responsibilities and too often this can put their education at risk.
“Financial support such as Carer Support Payment and the Young Carer Grant can make a real difference, helping to ease some of the financial strain and allowing unpaid carers to focus on their studies as well as their caring role. We would urge all student carers to check what support they are entitled to, so they don’t miss out.”
To find out more on the financial support available as well as wider support for student carers visit mygov.scot/carers
Background
Carers Trust Scotland works to transform the lives of unpaid carers. Research carried out found student carers were four times more likely to drop out of their studies.
· The Student Carer Experience in Scotland
· Young Adult Carers at College and University
Carer Support Payment is available to carers who are aged 16 or over and who provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. Carers need to earn £196 a week or less from paid work after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses.
Carers in education who may be eligible include:
- Part time students - those who spend less than 21 hours a week in class or doing coursework for any course
- Students aged 20 and over and who study full time for any course
- Students aged 16-19, who study full time in advanced education at university or for a college course such as a Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma
- Students aged 16-19 studying over 21 hours a week in non-advanced education, such as studying for National Certificates and Scottish Highers, may also be eligible if they meet certain criteria. Find out more at If you study - mygov.scot
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment on two qualifying dates. The payment is currently made twice a year and is unique to Scotland. Each payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement in 2025/26 is £293.50. It is paid automatically without the need to apply.
Young Carer Grant is available for carers aged 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit.
Information on other support for carers, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you're a carer - mygov.scot