Applications for 2026 are currently open until 5:00pm on Monday 22 June 2026.
The quickest way to apply for a Take a Break grant via our online application.
All 2026 applicants will hear from us with an award decision by email, by Friday 10 July 2026.
Please do not contact us before 10 July 2026 for an update on your application, as our teams will be working hard to process applications as quickly as possible.
The application process
You can apply for a Take a Break grant if you are the parent or carer of a disabled or seriously ill child or young person, aged 0 to 17, and you meet our eligibility criteria.
Applications for 2026 are currently open until 5:00pm on Monday 22 June 2026. All applicants will hear from us with a grant award decision by Friday 10 July 2026. You may hear from us before the 10 July, as we aim to make grant awards as soon as possible to support you quickly.
This funding is limited, and priority will be given to carers who have not received a Take a Break grant before, and those who missed out last year.
- Please check you are eligible to apply.
- Gather your supporting documents. We will need to see at least one of the following:
- Adult carer support – a copy of your Adult Carer Support Plan or statement or a letter from your local authority
- Adult Disability Payment – your most recent benefit letter
- Carer Support Payment or Carer Support Payment underlying entitlement – your most recent award letter
- Child Disability Payment – your most recent benefit letter
- Short break provision letter from your local authority, local charity or hospice.
- Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP), Additional Support Plan (ASP), Child’s Plan
- A recent diagnostic or review report
- A supporting letter from a practitioner (for example a doctor, healthcare worker, therapist) who knows your child and can confirm their additional support needs and type of support they need.
You do not need to have all these documents, but you might be asked to provide additional documents during the application process if we need more information to make a decision.
- Please complete your application online. You must provide an email address and you will be asked to upload any supporting documents that are required. It will take approximately 30 minutes to complete the application form.
- You should receive a confirmation email within 48 hours of submitting your application. Please remember to check your junk mail.
To help our teams process your application and make a grant decision quickly, please include as much detail in your application as you can, so they can understand how a break from your caring duties is so important.
Application terms and conditions
See our Take a Break Scotland terms and conditions and data protection statement.
Follow our Facebook page to see regular updates.
