Scotland’s young carers are set to receive a little more breathing space after the Young Carer Grant was expanded to include 19 year olds for the first time.
The grant, delivered through Social Security Scotland, has long provided a yearly payment of three hundred and ninety pounds and twenty five pence to young people balancing school, work and the quiet daily grind of looking after someone they love.
Until now it has only been open to 16 to 18 year olds, but the Scottish Government has widened the door to reach the many young people whose caring responsibilities do not ease simply because they turn nineteen.
The money can be used for anything that makes life easier, whether that is driving lessons, a laptop for college, or something simple that brings a bit of joy back into days that are often heavy with responsibility.
To qualify, young people must spend at least sixteen hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit, and the grant remains open to those in education, in work or not working at all.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley Anne Somerville spent time with Fife Young Carers to mark the expansion and spoke of the difference she hopes it will make.
“Young Carer Grant recognises the important contribution that young carers make, and I am proud that we are able to extend eligibility further to include 19 year olds,” she said.
She reflected on the reality faced by many young carers, who step into adult responsibilities long before their peers.
“Young carers often miss out on activities enjoyed by other people their age.
“Young Carer Grant provides some support towards helping them do the things they like outside of their caring responsibilities.”
Her message was simple.
Check if you are eligible, see what else might help and know that the system is slowly shifting towards dignity, fairness and respect.
In Fort William, 19 year old Millie understands the value of the grant better than most.
She looks after both her mum and her older sister and first applied for the support at sixteen after being guided by a community link worker.
The grant helped her pay for driving lessons and car insurance, giving her some freedom at a time when everything else in her life revolved around caring.
“It is absolutely brilliant that Young Carer Grant is up to the age of 19 now,” she said.
“It will definitely benefit a lot of young adult carers who don’t receive any financial benefits.”
Since the scheme began in 2019, more than four thousand grants were awarded last year alone, the highest number yet.
For young people providing more than thirty five hours of care each week, other support such as Carer Support Payment may be available instead, as young people cannot receive both at the same time.
Further advice, wellbeing support and information on short breaks from caring can be found through mygov.scot, which continues to act as a central hub for unpaid carers looking for help.
For many young carers, the extension of the grant is more than a policy change.
It is a recognition that their work matters, that their days are often heavier than they admit, and that they deserve the same chance at a full life as anyone their age.
