As National Student Money Week 2025 unfolds from March 3 to 7, a crucial focus is on encouraging unpaid carers in education to explore available financial support. This initiative is particularly significant in Scotland, where an estimated 35,000 students balance academic responsibilities with caregiving duties. Many of these carers may not realize they are eligible for substantial financial assistance, which could significantly impact their ability to continue their studies.
Student carers often face unique financial challenges. The rising costs of living, including housing, energy, and food, can strain their budgets. Additionally, caregiving responsibilities often limit their capacity for part-time work, which is a common way for students to supplement their income. This situation underscores the importance of accessing available financial resources.
Louise Reid, a Student Support Adviser at the University of the West of Scotland and a Financial Capability Champion on the National Association of Student Money Advisors (NASMA) Board, emphasises the critical role these financial supports play, “Students, alongside wider society, are consistently pushed to the limit financially from sources outside their control. The cost of housing, energy, and food have all been consistently high, and this hits student carers particularly hard. As caring responsibilities can limit or completely reduce any capacity for part-time work to top up existing student funding, additional financial resources are vital.”
Financial Support Available to Student Carers
In Scotland, Social Security Scotland offers several payments that can provide significant financial relief to student carers:
Carer Support Payment: This replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland and is available to more carers in education. It provides £81.90 per week to carers aged 16 or over who provide at least 35 hours of unpaid care weekly. Eligibility includes part-time students, full-time students aged 20 and over, and certain full-time students aged 16-19 in advanced education.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement: This is an additional payment for eligible unpaid carers receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance. It is paid twice a year, with each payment being £288.60, and is unique to Scotland.
Young Carer Grant: Available to carers aged 16, 17, or 18 who provide an average of 16 hours of support weekly. This grant is a yearly payment of £383.75, which can be used at the young person’s discretion4.
Many student carers may not identify themselves as such, potentially missing out on these vital financial supports. It is crucial for them to check their eligibility and apply for these benefits. Resources and information on these payments are available at mygov.scot/carers, or by calling 0800 182 2222.
This year’s National Student Money Week, themed “Survive and Thrive: Building Financial Resilience,” aims to raise awareness about the financial support available to students. The campaign encourages institutions across the UK to host events and provide resources to help students manage their finances effectively. For student carers, accessing the right financial support can be the difference between continuing their studies or not.
As National Student Money Week 2025 progresses, it serves as a timely reminder for student carers to explore the financial assistance available to them. By understanding and accessing these resources, student carers can better navigate the financial challenges associated with balancing caregiving and academic responsibilities. This support is not only crucial for their financial stability but also for their ability to thrive in their educational pursuits.
