Useful Information for Carers

Benefits advice

Carers and their families may be entitled to benefits. Carers Gateway South Ayrshire can find out and advise on what you could access and provide assistance with the forms. Staff can also assist carers to access a wide range of grants which would be of benefit to them in their caring role.

Carer Support Payment

Carer Support Payment is replacing Carer's Allowance in Scotland and is paid by Social Security Scotland.

Carer Support Payment is money to help you if you're a carer. More information and details of how to apply can be found here.

You cannot get Carer Support Payment and Carer's Allowance at the same time. If you get Carer's Allowance and live in Scotland, you do not need to apply for Carer Support Payment. Your benefit will move to Carer Support Payment. This is happening between February 2024 and spring 2025.

Further information and details can be found here.

South Ayrshire Council's Information and Advice Hub 

The Information and Advice Hub offer a free, confidential and impartial information and advice service to people living in the South Ayrshire Area. Our advisors are fully trained to deal with your welfare rights and issues related to money and debt advice. To find out more call 0300 123 0900, email informationandadvicehub@south-ayrshire.gov.uk.
 

Bereavement support

Losing someone close to you can be devastating. If you have been caring for that person, the loss can seem even greater. How you process your feelings about the death of the person you looked after is a very personal thing. Carers UK has information on some of the emotional impacts that bereavement can have, and may help you think about some of the practical issues to address.
 

Planning for an emergency

As a carer you need to know that if an emergency happens, replacement care will get sorted out speedily and efficiently. The Adult Carer Support Plan and Young Carer Statement contains information which can help you and the person you care for plan for an emergency.
 

LGBT carers

LGBT Helpline Scotland can provide support and someone to chat to. The helpline is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12 - 9pm, and Sunday 1 - 6pm.

Advocacy

Carers Gateway South Ayrshire provide an advocacy service for carers. Pop into the centre at 43 Sandgate, Ayr, or call them on 01292 263 000 to see how they can help support you.
 

Carer Positive

South Ayrshire Council is a Carer Positive Employer and recognises the importance of retaining experienced members of staff who find themselves in a caring role. Many employers may also have a policy in place to support carers.
 

Social care complaints, comments & suggestions

We value comments and complaints about the health and social care functions for which we are responsible and will use information from them to help us to improve what we do. We want to hear from you if you have any comments or wish to complain. Click here to find out how to give feedback or make a complaint.