Scotland's carers first to receive raft of new benefits

Scotland new social security agency is to begin making its first payments next month.

A benefit for carers will be the first to be administered by Social Security Scotland from mid-September, backdated to April.

The carer’s allowance supplement will give those eligible the equivalent of an extra £8.50 per week, up 13% on the previous benefit under the Department of Work and Pensions.

The supplement, worth more than £30 million a year, will benefit more than 75,000 carers.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Making these payments will represent a historic moment, launching a new public service that will deliver a social security system that treats people with dignity, fairness and respect.”