Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 25 September 2024
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Young Carers Package has reportedly not been extended to young adult carers aged 18 to 26 who are eligible for a Young Scot Card but are not currently eligible for the Young Carers Package.
The Scottish Government recognises the incredible contribution that Scotland’s unpaid carers, including our young carers, make to our communities as well as the pressures many carers are under.
The Young Carers Package, delivered by Young Scot, was put in place to provide additional benefits and opportunities for young carers. The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 defines a young carer as someone who provides (or intends to provide) care who is under 18 (or over 18 and still at school). The package is designed to support children and young people who are not eligible for social security benefits and other support available to young adults.
In recognition of the fact that transitioning from being a young carer to an adult carer can be difficult, as young people look towards work or further or higher education, the package includes a transition bundle to provide extra benefits before young carers turn 19. There is a Young Scot webpage with further information on the transition bundle and young carers transitions more generally at: www.young.scot/get-informed/young-carers-transitions
I would encourage anyone providing unpaid care to contact their social work department or local carer centre to find out what support they may be able to offer.