What Young Carers are Entitled To

Young Carer Grant

The Young Carer Grant, provided by Social Security Scotland, is a yearly payment for young carers who are aged 16, 17 or 18, and provide care for 16 or more hours per week. You may be caring for just one person, or up to three people, but any time you spend caring counts towards the 16 hours per week.

With more responsibilities and less free time, many young carers don't get the same opportunities as their peers. This payment is for them to spend how they choose and it doesn't matter whether they are in school, further education or training, employed or unemployed.

More information and details of how to apply can be found here.

How do you apply?

Social Security Scotland takes applications via their freephone helpline on 0800 182 2222, by post or online.

Young Scot's Young Carers Package

The Young Carers Package is part of the Scottish Government's commitment to recognising the contributions of young carers across Scotland. The package is completely free and includes digital vouchers, access to subscriptions and exclusive opportunities. Best of all, the treats change every week so there is always something new to claim, enter or apply for. The package is designed to support young carers to make the most of their free time and allow them to feel supported in the caring role.

Which young carers can access the package?

All young carers, aged 11-18, are entitled to access the package of non-cash benefits.

To access the package you will need a Young Scot National Entitlement Card. All young people in Scotland, aged 11-26, are entitled to one. Visit the Young Scot Young Carers Package information page to find out how to get your card. Alternatively, you can speak to the South Ayrshire Carers Centre for support to access the package.

Free Access to Leisure

Young carers in South Ayrshire receive free access to Sport and Leisure memberships through South Ayrshire Council's Activ8 scheme.

Any young carer up to age 25 can sign up for the membership. Young carers must be registered as a young carer on SEEMiS, or registered with our commissioned carers service, Carers Gateway.

Click here to find out more about the membership benefits by age range.

Click here to apply for an Activ8 membership.

Additional Support

Additional support is provided by South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and our commissioned carers service, South Ayrshire Carers Gateway.

Support from South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership includes:

• Fun activities and trips during the school day.
• Residentials.
• One to one tutoring in partnership with UWS.
• Duke of Edinburgh.
• Modern Apprenticeship Guarantee.
• Young Carer Champion in every school.
• Funding opportunities.
• ...and much more!

Click here for details of additional support from our commissioned carers service, South Ayrshire Carers Gateway.