SOUTH Ayrshire carers received over £500,000 worth of payments back in June.

According to statistics, 1,985 carers were paid through a Scotland-only benefit a few months ago.

The money came through the Carers Allowance Supplement, which is paid twice a year to people who are receiving Carer's Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions or Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland on key eligibility dates. 

During the last round of payments, eligible carers in South Ayrshire received over half a million pounds.

Since launching in 2018, almost 25,000 payments have been paid to 3,800 carers in South Ayrshire, totalling £6.9 million. 

The extra payment was introduced to recognise the contribution of unpaid carers in the financial year 2024/2025 and each Carer’s Allowance Supplement pay is £288.60.

People who qualify will get two payments a year and carers do not need to apply for Carer’s Allowance Supplement as it is automatically paid.

Social Security Scotland writes to eligible carers in advance, so they know when to expect a payment. 

The next eligibility date for Carer’s Allowance Supplement this year is October 7 and payments will be made after this date.