Rights and entitlements
On this page
As an unpaid carer in Scotland, you may be eligible for a range of financial support to help with the costs of your caring role. Explore the benefits available to you and find out how to apply for them below.
Navigating support options can be confusing and overwhelming, but our commissioned services are here to help, guide, and support you every step of the way.
Financial support
Carer Support Payment
Carer Support Payment is replacing Carer’s Allowance in Scotland.
Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for those under 16 helps with daily care and mobility costs, easing financial pressure on you as a carer.
Carer's Credit
Carer's Credit helps carers who aren’t eligible for Carer’s Support Payment (Carer's Allowance) but still want to protect their National Insurance record for State Pension purposes.
Council Tax reductions
Carers providing at least 35 hours of care per week for someone with a disability (who isn’t their partner or child under 18) may be eligible for a discount or exemption on their Council Tax.
Plus One Scheme
A discount card available to carers in Scotland, providing free access to a wide range of services, such as museums, for both the carer and the person they care for.
Adult Disability Payment
For those 16 and older in Scotland, Adult Disability Payment (ADP) supports daily living and mobility, helping cover care costs and easing your load as a carer.
Commissioned services
Our commissioned services are here to help you navigate the financial and legal aspects of your caring role. They offer expert guidance and support to ensure you understand your rights and available benefits.
- Mobilise - offers resources, financial toolkits, and support for carers.
- Connecting Carers - provides advice and assistance with legal and financial matters related to your role.
- Partners in Advocacy - offers advocacy support for carers, helping you navigate complex issues and protect your rights.
- Change Mental Health - offers support to navigate the benefits and entitlements landscape.
Legal protections
As an unpaid carer, you have legal rights under important laws that protect you:
- Equality Act 2010 - protects you from discrimination at work and when accessing services
- Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 - gives you the right to ask for support, such as flexible working hours or a carer’s assessment from your local council.
These laws ensure you are treated fairly and receive the support you need as a carer.
Unpaid carers
-
Unpaid carers
NHS Highland recognise the essential role that unpaid carers play and wants to provide support to unpaid carers to li...
-
Rights and entitlements
As an unpaid carer in Scotland, you may be eligible for a range of financial support to help with the costs of your c...
-
Breaks and support
There are funding options available to unpaid carers in the Highlands to help provide much-needed breaks from their c...
-
Resources and guidance
We partner with dedicated organisations like Connecting Carers, Mobilise, Change Mental Health and Partners In Advoca...
Adult Social Care
-
Support for individuals
Our services are here to promote the health and well-being of individuals in Highland, and, where necessary, provide ...
-
Self-directed support
Self-directed support is about assisting individuals who may need support to have maximum choice and control over how...
-
Appropriate Adult Service
Support for Vulnerable Adults Involved in the Criminal Justice System in the Highland area