Carers across Scotland have missed out on more than £93 million of vital financial support, according to charity Carers Scotland.
A report, which puts the number of carers failing to receive their full allowance throughout the country at more than 30,000, has prompted Claire Baker, Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, to speak out to ensure carers get the money they deserve.
The Carers Rights Guide for 2013/14 has highlighted that 30,111 carers in Scotland have missed out with unclaimed Carer’s Allowance totalling £93.5m.
In Courier Country 4,970 people missed out, with £14.5m going unclaimed.
Fifers were the worst off, with 2,138 people failing to claim allowances worth £6.64m. In Dundee £3m went unclaimed, with 980 people missing out.
More than £1.8m was unclaimed in Perth and Kinross, where 603 people did not receive the support they were entitled to, while in Angus 549 people did not receive a total of £1.7m.
In Central Scotland 700 people missed out on £2m.
The statistics follow a survey of 350 carers which highlighted that a record 47% are in debt as a result of their caring role, with one in six having a debt of more than £10,000.
This has resulted in 44% of carers cutting back on food spending and 46% on heating.
Carer’s Allowance remains the lowest benefit of its kind at just £59.75 a week for those caring for 35 hours per week or more.
Ms Baker said: “While we are currently in a cost of living crisis, every little helps and it is vital that carers throughout the kingdom are receiving the help and support that they deserve.
“Many carers take on that role not through choice but due to a sense of duty and love. For millions to sit unclaimed while carers face making tough decisions between heating and eating must be addressed.
“It is not acceptable that nearly half of carers are cutting back on food and heating when they are carrying out such an invaluable role. That is why I would urge anyone who is a carer to get in touch with Carers UK Adviceline to ensure expert support so that everyone gets the money that they deserve.
“I will be writing to the minister to ask what action the Scottish Government will be taking to improve uptake.”
Director of Carers Scotland Simon Hodgson said: “If you suddenly need to provide full-time care for an older, ill or disabled loved one your life can be turned upside down. “When their welfare is your top priority, looking after your own finances can easily fall by the wayside.
“If carers have been forced to give up work to care, just as the family face all the extra household and transport costs of caring, this can rapidly push carers into long-term debt and financial hardship.”