Friday September 19th 2025
Photo by Redd Francisco
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
As thousands of students begin their college or university studies, those with caring roles are being urged to check they’re getting all the financial help they’re entitled to.
Around 30,000 unpaid carers are currently studying at Scottish colleges and universities, according to Carers Trust Scotland. These students face unique challenges, providing emotional, mental or physical support to family members, friends or neighbours whilst juggling lectures, coursework and student life.
However, support is available. Social Security Scotland delivers three payments that could make a real difference to student carers across Edinburgh and Lothians.
Carer Support Payment provides £83.30 per week and is available to many students in education, including those studying full-time.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement provides additional support in Scotland for those who receive Carer Support Payment.
Young Carer Grant offers an annual payment of £390.25 to carers aged 16-18.
Eligibility depends on factors including the number of hours spent caring, the type of course being studied, and whether the person being cared for receives a disability benefit.
Research shows that student carers are four times more likely to drop out of their studies than other students. Financial difficulties are cited as being a major contributing factor alongside time constraints. That’s where payments for carers can help ease some of the pressures faced.
Anna Vogt, Assistant Principal Student Experience at Edinburgh College said: “At Edinburgh College, we aim to ensure all of our student carers are benefitting from the support available to them on campus, as well as the financial assistance offered by Social Security Scotland.
“We understand the challenges our student carers face and are dedicated to supporting them to come to college and achieve their educational ambitions. We do this by individualising support for them, engaging with carer organisations in our region and by designing systems that acknowledge our students have responsibilities and communities outside of college.”
Gayle Green, Widening Participation Officer at Queen Margaret University, explains the support they provide to student carers. She said:
“Queen Margaret University is passionate about supporting equality of opportunity for all of its students and ensuring each person gets the help and support they need to achieve their potential. Student carers face unique pressures, often juggling their studies with the responsibility of supporting a loved one. At Queen Margaret University, our QMCares service provides help, support and signposting, covering funding advice, emotional and academic support. Combined with the financial assistance available through Social Security Scotland, this support can make a real difference, helping student carers to stay in education and thrive in their studies.”
Colin Slattery, a third year Performance student at Queen Margaret University added:
“Being an unpaid carer whilst trying to complete a degree programme can frequently feel like a losing battle. The support I get from QMU is invaluable in keeping me stable and getting me through each semester and without the financial support from Social Security Scotland I would have dropped out.
“Easing the financial pressure not only helps with the additional costs of caring for someone, but it can also buy a little time where I don’t have to be working to make ends meet, which allows me to take care of myself better. I’m so happy that this support exists as it makes a huge difference to me and I feel like I will be able to complete my degree because of it.”
Social Security Scotland is hosting a free online event on Wednesday 24 September, for student carers across Edinburgh and Lothians to find out more about the support available to them. Students can find out more and register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/edinburgh-student-carer-event-tickets-1552174057389.
Find out more on the financial support available as well as wider support for student carers at: https://www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits/carers
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