Applications for 2025 closed 30 June 2025 at 5:00pm
What is Take a Break Scotland?
Take a Break delivers one of four short break grant programmes available in Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government.
This aim of the Take a Break programme is to improve unpaid carers’ quality of life, health and wellbeing by providing cash grants to help them access a short break from the day-to-day routine of caring.
Grants are not guaranteed. All grants are discretionary and are subject to available funding.
Who can apply for a Take a Break grant?
Take a Break can accept applications from unpaid carers of disabled or seriously ill children or young people, aged 0 to 17 years old.
If you care for multiple disabled or seriously ill children or young people, we encourage you to apply for all of them as part of your application. See our ‘who can apply’ page for full details.
The person I care for is too old for the Take a Break programme – can I still get a grant?
If you’re the unpaid carer of a young person aged 18 to 20, you can apply to the Time to Live grant programme. This programme is for all unpaid carers, including young carers. Time to Live is managed by Shared Care Scotland and delivered by local carer organisations across Scotland. Find your local Time to Live delivery partner.
What can I apply for?
Take a Break grants can be used flexibly, this is to help meet the interests and circumstances of the carer. See our ‘what can I apply for’ page for full details.
When can I apply?
Take a Break is open for a limited time each year, depending on funding.
2025 applications opened at midday on Tuesday 13 May 2025 and closed at 5:00pm on Monday 30 June 2025.
How can I apply for a Take a Break grant?
The quickest way to apply for a Take a Break grant is online via our website.
- 2025 applications were accepted until 5:00pm on Monday 30 June 2025
- If you are not able to apply online, you can download an application pack and send the completed form and supporting documents back to us in the post or by email.
- Or you can request an application pack to be sent to you in the post by emailing our team with your details. Please allow 10 working days to receive a paper application pack through the post.
- Completed forms and supporting documents can be returned to us using the details on our contact us page
Please be aware that it takes time for paper application forms to be entered onto our system, and for the grant assessment process to begin.
I completed the application form but it didn’t ask me for supporting information. Is this right?
Our application form is a bit different this year. That’s because we’ve made some improvements to make it much quicker for you to apply – especially if you’ve received a Take a Break Scotland grant before.
So, if you’re applying again for the same child as last year, you won’t be asked to submit any supporting information. You will just be taken to the next step of the form and asked to confirm your bank details.
You should then receive an email to confirm your application within 30 minutes.
Will I receive confirmation when I submit my application?
All online applicants should receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application. Please check your junk mail for this confirmation.
How long will it take to hear about my grant application?
All 2025 applicants will be contacted with a grant award decision by email or letter by Friday 11 July 2025.
Please do not contact us before 11 July 2025 for an update on your application, as our teams will be working hard to process applications as quickly as possible.
Why have I been asked to provide bank details?
To help our teams process applications quickly, we ask you for your bank details in advance of your award decision being made. This is so if you are successfully awarded a grant, we can transfer the money to you as quickly as possible.
Please note, asking for your bank details doesn’t mean your application has been successful.
I previously applied to Take a Break and received a grant, can I apply again?
Yes, you are welcome to apply again. We do, however, prioritise applications from those who have not received a Take a Break grant before, and those who missed out last year.
I have two disabled children at home – can I make two Take a Break applications?
No, we can only award one grant per household or family unit each funding round. If you care for multiple seriously ill or disabled children or young people, we encourage you to include all of them as part of your one application.
I have forgotten my Take a Break Scotland number
Don’t worry, as long as you can provide us your other details when contacting us, we will do our best to find your application.
How long do I have to use my grant?
If you are awarded a Take a Break grant, you will have 12 months to use it.
How can I make a complaint about applying to Take a Break?
As per the application terms and conditions and data protection statement, Take a Break eligibility decisions are made based on the information you provide in your application. Eligibility decisions cannot be appealed or changed. It is important that if you meet the eligibility criteria, and please include as much detail as possible in your application.
