Financial support for young carers

We understand that managing finance as Young Carers and Student Carers can be complicated. Remember, LEAPS are here to help. You can call or email our named contact for Young Carers, Keith Barbour, if you have any questions or concerns at leaps@ed.ac.uk – we'd be happy to support you!

If you plan to begin an HNC, HND or a university degree, you should apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to help fund your studies. It is recommended that you complete an application to SAAS between April and the end of June in the year you plan to begin your studies. 

If you are bringing up a child on your own, or caring for a sibling, you may be entitled to the Lone Parents' Grant. This grant does not need to be paid back, and is a maximum of £1305/year. The grant is income assessed.

If you are eligible for the Lone Parents' Grant you may also be eligible for the Lone Parents' Childcare Grant toward the cost of registered or formal childcare costs.

The Scottish Government have a Young Carer Grant of £390.25 per year. You must be either 16, 17 or 18 years old and fulfil certain eligibility criteria to receive this grant. If you're already getting Carer Support Payment, you will not be able to get Young Carer Grant. You can read more about the grant and apply on the mygov website here.

If you care for someone for 35 hours or more a week, you may be eligible to receive the Carer Support Payment of £83.30 per week. Students studying at university or a HNC/HND at college are eligible for this payment if they meet the other eligibility criteria. Find out more and how to apply on the Carer Support Payment on the mygov website here.  

If you are a member of a local Young Carers Group (such as Care 4 Carers Edinburgh, Borders Carers Centre or Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre) they may be able to help you access funding toward your course. If you're not already a member of your local Young Carers Group, we suggest getting in touch with them now to see what support is available.

Young Scot offer a free Young Carers Package - from free movie tickets to discounts and opportunities like free First Aid Training! You can read more and apply on the Young Scot Website.

You can find other charitable grants on Turn2Us, and search by your postcode and circumstances, including the keyword 'carer'.

Citizens Advice have advice and financial information for carers, including help with living costs. For example, full-time students are exempt from paying council tax.

Your College or University may be able to provide bursary support or discretionary funds for students facing difficult circumstances or from low income families. You should contact the college or university directly through their named contact for carers or Student Support Services, for more detail. The LEAPS named contact for young carers (Keith Barbour) can help you find the best person to contact at your future college or university.