Carer Support Payment in Scotland now continues during temporary breaks from caring without the carer having had to provide care for a set period first, Social Security Scotland said on 22 July 20261. The changes were introduced in March 20261.
Under the rules, Carer Support Payment can continue for up to 4 weeks during a temporary break from caring for any reason, and up to 12 weeks where a hospital stay is involved, or a combination of hospital and other reasons, within any 6-month period1. Social Security Scotland said the change "makes financial support more stable and removes barriers to taking a well-earned rest"1.
The same package extended bereavement support. Carers in Scotland now receive up to 12 weeks of continued support if the person they are caring for passes away, an additional 4 weeks1.
"These improvements are unique to Scotland"
The agency said the improvements form part of a broader package that includes Scottish Carer Supplement and Carer Additional Person Payment for those caring for more than one person1. It also said carers should report changes to their caring hours and responsibilities, including temporary stops in care, online or by phone, and that keeping details up to date ensures carers get the right amount of support1.
| Change | Position |
|---|---|
| Temporary break, any reason | Up to 4 weeks of continued payment |
| Temporary break involving a hospital stay, or a combination of hospital and other reasons | Up to 12 weeks within any 6-month period |
| Set caring period before a temporary break | No longer required |
| Bereavement support after the cared-for person dies | Up to 12 weeks, an additional 4 weeks |
Why it matters for households
The changes affect people in Scotland who receive Carer Support Payment, which is administered by Social Security Scotland and is separate from Carer's Allowance paid elsewhere in the UK. The removal of the set caring period means entitlement during a break no longer depends on how long someone has been caring1. The 4-week and 12-week limits apply within any 6-month period, so the length of a break and whether hospital care is involved determine how long payment continues1.
For carers whose cared-for person dies, payment can now run for up to 12 weeks rather than 8, giving a longer period of income before other arrangements are needed1. Social Security Scotland's guidance notes that carers must report changes to their caring hours and responsibilities, including temporary stops, and that failing to keep details current can affect the amount of support received1. The agency has not reported how many carers are affected or the cost of the changes.
What happens next
The changes took effect in March 2026 and were set out in Social Security Scotland's reminder published on 22 July 20261. No further changes to these rules have been reported. Carers in Scotland can report a change in circumstances online or by phone1.
Sources1 cited
- More access to financial support during temporary breaks from caring - Social Security Scotland socialsecurity.gov.scot
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