On 30th November 2020 the First Minister announced a one-off pro rata payment for Scotland’s lifesavers and caregivers on the frontline throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Scottish Government has now created a special and dedicated online application process to ensure that over 10,000 Personal Assistants (PAs) across Scotland receive the £500 thank-you payment for everything they have done during the pandemic.
The portal launched today will provide the most effective, streamlined way to reach these PAs. A paper based application form is also available for those who prefer it. The application process will be administered by Scotland Excel on behalf of the Scottish Government. A dedicated helpline has also been set up to support applicants, which can be contacted on 0800 841 1321 on Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart said: “The importance of Personal Assistants within the wider social care workforce has only been made more visible during the pandemic. Along with the rest of our health and social care workers, they deserve the thanks of the whole country.
“Personal Assistants and their employers are a unique part of the social care setting, and we are committing to making access to the thank you payments as simple as possible.
“We have worked with disability lead organisations and payroll providers for Personal Assistant Employers to ensure that payments are made as quickly as possible to this complex and geographically diverse workforce.
“I am delighted that this new portal will now enable us to ensure this key group of workers can apply for the thank you payment they well deserve.”
You can find out more information on the eligibility criteria, application process and more on our Covid-19 pages.
You can read the Scottish Government's press release in full here.
