The Scottish Government has announced plans to introduce further government benefits, with them being published as part of an update to the Social Security Programme Business Case.
This announcement comes with confirmation that the next payment to be introduced is Carer Support Payment, with Social Security Scotland beginning a pilot scheme by the end of the year. This would be followed by national launch in the spring of 2024.
Between February and March 2022, a consultation was run concerning the new payment, with the response due to be published in the next couple of weeks.
Ben Macpherson, Minister for Social Security, said:
“Introducing 14 new payments in just over five years is no mean feat. We have built this social security system from scratch, working with the people who will use it to make sure that we provide an improved experience and one that treats people with dignity, fairness and respect.
Our delivery progressed despite a global pandemic. This was recognised by Audit Scotland who commended us for continuing to ‘successful deliver new and complex social security benefits in challenging circumstances’.
“We are already providing money that is making a real difference for families on low incomes, people who need help paying for a funeral, disabled people, carers, young people entering the workplace and to help people heat their homes. The people accessing this service are happy with it too – with 89% telling us their experience has been ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
“Our success to date has not made us complacent. Establishing new payments and transferring awards in a safe and secure way continues to be our priority. We have gained a significant amount of experience and knowledge through our delivery to date. This is all reflected in the timetable we have announced. I look forward to these payments being up and running and seeing the reach of our new social security system going even further – investing £7.3 billion by 2027-28 supporting 2 million people each year.”
The new Carer Support Payment will come in to replace the Carer’s Allowance for any new applications, and the Scottish Government are working with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that there are processes in place to ensure that those who ae already receiving Carer’s Allowance will have their award transferred to Social Security Scotland automatically. This will ensure that people do not need to reapply.
