Explainers
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance (CA) is paid to help individuals who care for someone who is disabled and has substantial caring needs. It has been devolved since September 2018 and the Scottish Government has also introduced a Carer’s Allowance Supplement (CAS) so that total support for carers matches the level of Jobseeker’s Allowance.
The first payments of the supplement were made in September 2018. The Scottish Government plans to launch a replacement Scottish Carer’s Allowance in 2022.
Latest forecast
Forecast spending for Carer’s Allowance – February 2020
| £ Million | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carer’s Allowance (CA) | 152 | 276 | 292 | 311 | 336 | 355 | 375 |
| Carer’s Allowance Supplement (CAS) | 35 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 45 | 47 | 50 |
| Total Expenditure | 187 | 313 | 330 | 352 | 381 | 403 | 444 |
Carer’s Allowance was devolved to the Scottish Parliament on 3 September 2018, the expenditure for 2018-19 is apportioned accordingly.