SCOTTISH Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced today additional support for unpaid carers she hailed as “the backbone of our communities.”

Carers looking after more than one person for at least 20 hours a week will now be eligible to claim the new Carer Additional Person Payment, worth more than £500 a year for each additional cared-for person.

The announcement comes as part of an overhaul of carers’ support, including extending the Carer Support Payment from eight to 12 weeks following the death of the cared-for person, and opening the young carers’ grant to 19-year-olds.

Ms Somerville said: “Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities, providing vital care and support for those closest to them.

“Carer Additional Person Payment will go further in recognising the impact caring for multiple people can have on a carer and this will make a difference to thousands of families.

“Social security is a human right and something that anyone may need at any point in their life. I would encourage any carers who might be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland.”