UNPAID carers in the Wee County can now apply for additional support as a new benefit was rolled out nationwide.

The Carer Support Payment was initially trialled across seven local authorities in Scotland but has now been expanded to cover the whole nation.

Now, unpaid carers in 19 more council areas including Clackmannanshire can apply for the benefit, worth £81.90 a week.

This is Scotland’s 14th benefit to be rolled out and is the replacement for the Carer’s Allowance.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, cabinet secretary for social justice, said: “The importance of the role of unpaid carers should not be underestimated.

“Their work is vital to the people they look after and to society as a whole.

“I am delighted that Carer Support Payment is now available in every local authority in Scotland.

“Many students will now be able to get this financial support for the first time, thanks to changes made by the Scottish Government.

“I urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to find out more.”

Changes to the new benefit include eligibility for full-time students aged 20 or over and also students under 20 who are in advanced or higher education.

Eligibility was also extended to carers aged 16-19 in non-advanced education, including National Certificates, Highers and Advanced Highers who meet certain criteria.

The move was welcomed by Keith Brown, MSP for the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency.

He added: “The nationwide rollout of the Carer Support Payment is a very welcome development for my constituents in Clackmannanshire and Dunblane.

“This payment of £81.90 per week is an important support to unpaid carers in Clackmannanshire and Dunblane.

“Unpaid carers go above and beyond to help those they look after and contribute enormously to wider society, performing a vital role.

“The SNP Government developed Social Security Scotland with dignity, fairness and respect at its core – delivery of this 14th Scottish benefit is very much in keeping with those principles.”

Anyone interest in the payment or who thinks they are entitled for support can check eligibility at https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment.