Cost of living support in Midlothian

Carers

In this section you will find:

Benefits for Carers  

Carer Support Payment - a weekly payment for eligible carers. Replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland.

Scottish Carer Supplement - an automatic payment paid at the same time as your Carer Support Payment. Replaces Carer's Allowance Supplement.

Carer Additional Person Payment - extra money on top of your Carer Support Payment if you care for more than one person. 

Young Carer Grant - an annual payment for carers aged 16–18 who are not receiving Carer’s Allowance. 

Support for Carers 

Midlothian Young Carers Project - support for young people aged 5–25 who help care for a family member due to illness, disability, mental health, or substance use. 

Support for Unpaid Adult Carers - if you are in an unpaid caring role, help is available to develop an Adult Carer Support Plan.  

VOCAL

VOCAL provides information, training and individual support to unpaid carers living in or caring for someone in Midlothian.

You are a carer if you’re supporting a family member, child, partner, relative or friend of any age to manage a long-term condition, disability, physical or mental health condition or addiction. 

VOCAL’s team of carer support practitioners provide one-to-one support to carers online, via telephone and in-person. VOCAL range of supports include:

  • Support and information on carer rights and entitlements
  • Self-directed support and sourcing services
  • Creating an Adult Carer Support Plan and Emergency Plan
  • Emotional support, including counselling
  • Welfare rights and financial support including grants
  • Short breaks - Wee Breaks Fund
  • Addictions (alcohol and drugs)
  • Future planning including Power of Attorney - 

VOCAL's upcoming learning events and activities

To find out more about VOCAL and the services available, please call 0808 196 6666 (option 2) or email midlothian@vocal.org.uk.

Midlothian Carer Assistance Fund

VOCAL's Midlothian Carer Assistance Fund provides one-off grants to carers in Midlothian to help manage the costs associated with their caring role, such as:

  • Costs of setting up a Power of Attorney
  • Energy costs associated with having your heating on more frequently
  • Costs due to travelling to healthcare appointments
  • Food costs if the person you care for needs a special diet
  • Sitter service to help you attend your own healthcare appointments
  • Personal hygiene or continence products
  • Specialised clothing
  • Specialist equipment or white goods which support the caring role

Grants are not limited to the examples provided above, but the funds must support costs that are directly related to your caring role and the rising cost of living.

Additional support and resources 

 

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