The Personal Assistant workforce are employed directly by disabled people, for whom they provide vital support to enable them to live independently. They are the last remaining group to receive the bonus payment for health and social care workers which was announced in November 2020.

The portal launched today will provide the most effective, streamlined way to reach these workers. A paper-based application form is also available for those who prefer it. They will be administered by Scotland Excel on behalf of the Scottish Government. A dedicated helpline has been set up to support applicants.

As with other health and social care workers, Personal Assistants will receive a pro rata payment of up to a maximum of £500, depending on the number of hours they work in an average week.

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.”