New grant for carers in Scotland to start
Local MSP Fergus Ewing is encouraging young carers living in the Highland area to apply for extra cash support under the Scottish Government’s new Young Carers Grant.
They will be the first the UK to receive financial support due to a new Scottish Government grant.
The Young Carers Grant will open for applications on Monday (October 21) with the Scottish Government investing £600,000 towards supporting almost 2,000 young carers across Scotland in 2019/20.
The payment will be available to all 16, 17 and 18 year olds who spend an average of 16 hours caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.
MSP for Inverness and Nairn, Fergus Ewing (SNP), (pictured) said: “I am pleased to see the Scottish Government implementing our new social security powers to recognise the extraordinary contribution that these dedicated young people make to the lives of those they care for.
"This is the first time young carers anywhere in the UK will be eligible to receive a cash benefit and I would encourage all young carers living in the Highlands to apply.
“With less free time and more responsibilities, many young carers don’t get the same opportunities as perhaps their peers may do. The Scottish Government want this benefit to support them with activities that many young people will take for granted.
“This benefit will ensure extra cash support goes into the pockets of young carers at such a crucial stage in their lives – when they may be finishing school, looking for employment or starting further education or training."
