The number of people who successfully applied for and received the Young Carer Grant in the last year has risen by 200 people from the previous year with a total of 2,490 applications approved.
With this increase in successful applicants, it means that since October 2019 until the end of April this year the Scottish government has paid more than £1.8 million is support to young carers.
Speaking in a press release the Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “The dedication shown by young carers in Scotland is remarkable and I am pleased that we can help to recognise their important contribution by offering extra financial support through the Scottish Government’s Young Carer Grant.
“At a time when many young people are leaving school and taking advantage of new opportunities, it is right that we recognise for many people aged between 16 and 18 those chances are impacted by their caring responsibilities and the time they devote to loved ones.
“I am encouraged by the increase in successful applications for our Young Carer Grant, which is only available in Scotland, and we will continue to pro-actively increase awareness and encourage take up of this benefit.
“If anyone thinks they, or someone they know, might be eligible, I’d encourage them to find out more and apply.”
The young grant is unique to Scotland and is a yearly payment of £326.65 to young carers aged 16, 17 or 18, who spend an average of 16 hours week caring for a person or people who receive a disability benefit.
You can apply annually as long as you are eligible. For more information on the grant, eligibility and how to apply visit https://www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant.