Getting paid to care for a family member in Scotland

Two separate tracks. Carer Support Payment is a benefit paid to you as a carer — income support, not wages. Self-Directed Support is council funding for the person you care for, which in Scotland can more readily be used to pay a family member.

Track 1: Carer Support Payment — and Scotland pays more

Scotland has replaced Carer's Allowance with Carer Support Payment, delivered by Social Security Scotland at £86.45 a week for 2026/27. On top of that:

  • • Scottish Carer Supplement — £11.70 a week, paid automatically on top. You do not apply separately.
  • • Carer Additional Person Payment — £520 a year (about £10.40 a week) if you care for more than one person.

Taken together, Scotland pays meaningfully more to carers than England or Wales.

Apply through Social Security Scotland at mygov.scot. If you already receive Carer's Allowance, your award transfers automatically — there is no need to reapply. Our Carer's Allowance checklist still covers most of what you'll need to gather.

Track 2: Self-Directed Support Option 1 — paying a family member

Self-Directed Support (SDS) gives the person you care for four options for how their social care is arranged. Option 1 is the direct payment: cash to arrange their own support.

Scotland's rules are the most family-permissive of the nations. A family member living in the same household — explicitly including a spouse or civil partner, or someone living with the person as if a spouse or civil partner — can be paid, where:

  • (a) the family member, the person receiving support, and the local authority all agree;
  • (b) the family member is capable of providing the support; and
  • (c) at least one specified factor applies — for example support is needed at times when other providers are not reasonably available, the intimate nature of the care makes provision by a family member preferable, religious or cultural beliefs, palliative care, or an emergency or short-term necessity.

Some exceptions still apply — for instance where there are concerns about undue pressure, or where the family member is a guardian or attorney with power over the payment itself.

How to apply

  1. 1. Request a social care assessment from your local council.
  2. 2. You must be offered all four SDS options — Option 1 is the direct payment.
  3. 3. If a family member in the household would provide the care, set out which of the specified factors applies.
  4. 4. Apply for Carer Support Payment separately through mygov.scot.

Official sources

Keeping this organised

If a family member is paid under Option 1, the council will expect clear records of hours, tasks, and spend — and reviews come round quickly. FeatherKeep organises your care documentation and expenses automatically.

See what else you may qualify for
General information only, not legal, benefits, or financial advice. Rates shown are 2026/27 figures and are uprated annually — reconfirm current amounts with Social Security Scotland or your local council before making decisions.