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Young carers allowance in Scotland: the Young Carer Grant

A yearly payment for 16 to 19 year olds who look after someone. Spend it on whatever you like.

By Graeme · Published 29 October 2026 · 3 min read

Last updated · Figures checked

Quick answer · Young Carer Grant

£405.10once a year

For carers aged 16 to 19 in Scotland who have cared an average of 16 hours a week for the last three months. You can claim every year until you turn 20.

Source mygov.scot

A school backpack and a cup of tea on a kitchen table
A school backpack and a cup of tea on a kitchen table.
On this page

There isn't a benefit called Young Carers Allowance in Scotland. What you're after is the Young Carer Grant: £405.10 once a year for 16 to 19 year olds who look after someone. You can spend it on anything you like.

Who can get the young carer grant

  • You're 16, 17, 18 or 19.
  • You live in Scotland.
  • You've cared for one, two or three people for an average of 16 hours a week over the last three months. You can add the hours for different people together.
  • The person you care for normally gets a disability benefit.
  • You don't already get Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance.

How often you can claim

Once a year, every year, until you turn 20. You need to leave a full year between claims. Go in even a day early and it gets rejected, and you have to apply again. Each year is a new application.

What you can spend it on

Whatever you want. Clothes, driving lessons, a holiday, a laptop for college. Nobody asks and you don't have to keep receipts.

Caring 35 hours a week or more?

Then Carer Support Payment could be worth far more to you, paid every four weeks instead of once a year. Get your Young Carer Grant first, then apply for Carer Support Payment, because you can't get the grant once you're on it.

How to apply

  • Online through mygov.scot.
  • By phone on 0800 182 2222, 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays.
  • On a paper form.

You'll need your number, the details of who you care for and the benefit they get, and your bank details.

Apply for the Young Carer Grant

If you've been caring for 16 hours a week or more for the last three months, it takes one form.

Young Carer Grant on mygov.scot

Quick answers

Questions people ask

Is there a Young Carers Allowance in Scotland?

Not by that name. The payment for young carers in Scotland is the Young Carer Grant, £405.10 once a year for 16 to 19 year olds.

Can I get the Young Carer Grant and Carer Support Payment?

Not at the same time. If you care 35 hours a week or more, get the Young Carer Grant first, then apply for Carer Support Payment.
Proof and further detailOpen the 1 original source
  1. 01Young Carer Grant , mygov.scot. The yearly amount, the age and 16 hour caring rules, how often you can claim and how it fits with Carer Support Payment.

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