Dumfries & Galloway carers to receive continued financial support during break

Carers in the region have been reminded that they no longer need to have provided care for a set period before receiving support during a temporary break.

Regardless of how long a person has worked in a caring role, the support will be available for when people decide to take a holiday, have a hospital stay, or need a break for other reasons.

The improvements, which were introduced in March this year, were designed to make financial support more stable and to remove barriers for carers seeking a well-earned rest.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Scotland is leading the way in supporting unpaid carers, and I want to make sure every carer who is entitled to this support is receiving it.”

“I urge all carers in Dumfries and Galloway to find out about the help that’s available to them,” Ms. Somerville added.

Improvements to the Carer Support Payment are unique to Scotland and form part of a broader package of support that includes the Scottish Carer Supplement and Carer Additional Person Payment for those looking after more than one person.

Carers in Dumfries & Galloway have been asked to let Social Security Scotland know about changes to their caring hours and responsibilities, including temporary pauses in care, online or over the phone.

More information about reporting a change in circumstances, financial support, wellbeing support, and short breaks from caring can be found by visiting Carer Support Payment at mygov.scot.

More information about social security support for carers can also be found at mygov.scot/carers.