Support coping with rising living costs

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.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement - an automatic payment made twice a year to people who get Carer’s Allowance through the Department for Work and Pensions on certain dates each year. 

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
  • Addictions (alcohol and drugs)
  • Future planning including Power of Attorney
  • Learning events and activities including peer support groups and opportunities: Carer Events & Training - courses, events and activities for unpaid carers (carerstraining.co.uk)

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

Additional support and resources 

 

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