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Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, offering improved support to unpaid carers who play such a vital - and often invisible - role in our society. At CHAP, we know just how much unpaid carers contribute, often putting their own needs on hold to support a family member, friend or neighbour. This new payment is designed to better reflect their circumstances and make it easier to get the support they deserve. What is Carer Support Payment? Carer Support Payment is a benefit issued by Social Security Scotland, offering financial support to people who provide 35 or more hours of unpaid care a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit - such as Adult Disability Payment or Attendance Allowance. What’s Different? Unlike Carer’s Allowance, the new system is designed to be: More flexible - carers in full-time education can now apply, removing a barrier faced by many young and adult learners. Less restrictive - there’s more support for carers navigating changes in work, health, or family life. Better aligned with other Scottish benefits - helping to reduce overlap and confusion. How Much Is It? You could receive £83.30 per week (as of April 2025), paid every four weeks. This amount is not taxed, and it doesn’t count towards the benefit cap. In addition, Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment. This payment is made twice a year and is unique to Scotland. Each payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement in 2025 will be £293.50. It is paid automatically without the need to apply. Who Can Claim It? Many people provide regular care but don’t realise they could be entitled to financial support. To be eligible to apply, you must: Be aged 16 or over Usually live in Scotland Provide care for 35 hours or more a week (this includes if you provide care all day every day) Not earn more than £196 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses (this threshold has been increased from £151 per week) What If You Were Already Getting Carer’s Allowance? If you were receiving Carer’s Allowance and you live in Scotland, you should have been automatically transferred to Carer Support Payment - you don’t need to apply again. But if you’re unsure or something doesn’t look right, CHAP can help you check and get it sorted. How CHAP Can Help Our friendly, professional advisers can: Check if you're eligible Help you apply Go through a benefits check to make sure you're claiming what you're entitled to All our services are free, independent and confidential. Get in touch: Freephone 030 0002 0002 For further information: https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment
CHAP is gearing up for an exciting challenge on Friday, 16th May 2025, as we take on the Killie 2 Coast fundraising walk. This 18-mile trek from Kilmarnock to Ardrossan marks our first long-distance walk, all in aid of raising vital funds for supporting local people facing housing, welfare, and debt challenges. The team will set off from CHAP’s outreach office at CentreStage and make their way to the coast to finish at our main office in Princes Street. This is the first time CHAP has organised the event, and we’re eager to invite the community to get involved and show their support - either by donating or joining the walk at one of the checkpoints along the route. The K2C walk takes place during Mental Health Awareness Week, and in addition to raising funds for CHAP’s vital services, the team hopes to raise awareness of mental health issues and help break the stigma. Debbie Alexander, CEO of CHAP, said: "Every day, our advisers work with people facing real hardship - from housing problems and homelessness to debt and benefit issues. These challenges have a negative impact on mental wellbeing and we are encouraging people not to suffer in silence but to know that help and support is available if they reach out.” It’s well known that walking is a fantastic way to boost mental wellbeing, so we’re encouraging the community to come together, get active, and support both a crucial cause and an important conversation. CHAP has been a lifeline to thousands of Ayrshire residents for over 20 years by providing free, independent advice on housing, welfare rights, debt, and money management. With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and increasing demand for their services, all funds raised through the K2C walk will help us continue delivering expert advice and advocacy services to those most in need. Debbie adds: "Every pound donated will help us continue supporting local people who are struggling. We’d love as many people as possible - including families and dogs - to join us on the journey, whether for the full route or just a mile or two. We’re also hoping this will be the first of many Killie 2 Coast walks, turning it into an annual event that brings the community together for a great cause. The CHAP team is looking forward to this exciting challenge and we hope you can join us!" How you can support CHAP Make a donation via JustGiving Register to participate in the K2C Walk Spread the word and encourage friends, family, or colleagues to donate or take part. To keep up to date with the latest Killie 2 Coast news and plans, please follow us on Facebook . To access CHAP services, call Freephone 030 0002 0002 .
Debt can affect anyone. Yet, for too many people, stigma and judgement prevent them from reaching out for the support they need. As we mark Debt Awareness Week 2025 , CHAP is proud to stand with StepChange to challenge these harmful attitudes and encourage open conversations about debt. Now in its 11th year, this annual campaign raises awareness of the financial difficulties many face and highlights the solutions available. The Reality of Debt - It’s More Common Than You May Think A common misconception is that debt only happens to those who have mismanaged their money. In reality, financial struggles often arise from circumstances beyond a person’s control - job loss, illness, rising living costs, or unexpected emergencies. Despite this, many still feel a deep sense of shame about their situation. Research by StepChange* found that: 78% of people feel judged for being in debt 90% experience personal shame about their financial situation 40% wouldn’t talk to family or friends about their debt Men are more likely than women to discuss their financial struggles This stigma leads to silence and isolation, making it harder for people to access advice and support when they need it most. Why Breaking the Stigma Matters Debt is not a personal failure - it’s a reality of modern life that millions of people across the UK experience. The first step towards financial stability is seeking professional help - but that step can feel impossible when shame and fear take hold. At CHAP, we strive to break down the barriers that prevent people from getting support. Not only is our debt advice service free to access, it’s also free from judgement. Our only aim is to find a solution that allows people to move forward. How We Can Help If you’re struggling with debt, you don’t have to go through it alone. Speaking to an experienced debt adviser can help you: Understand your options and the solutions available to you Regain control of your finances with a clear plan of action Find the right support based on your personal situation Take the First Step Today If you, or someone you know, is facing money and debt worries, CHAP is here to help. Freephone: 030 0002 0002 Email: enquiries@chap.org.uk For more information about Debt Awareness Week , visit www.stepchange.org/debt-awareness-week . The more open, honest conversations around debt we have, the more we can work toward ending the stigma and make sure everyone gets the support they need. #DebtAwarenessWeek #EndTheStigma #DebtHelp *StepChange survey of 2,000 people.
