Carers who are entitled to a £500 one-off bonus from the Welsh Government will get their payment at the end of October.

Powys Council is administering the scheme, which was put in place by the Welsh Government to reward carers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, and will now write to employers and director payment recipients of all eligible care staff in the county.

The scheme is aimed at staff registered in care homes and domiciliary care services, and includes personal assistants.

The deadline for claims is September 18, and payments will be made at the end of October.

However, staff can choose to spread their payments over five months if they so wish, with the last payment coming in March.

Councillor Myfanwy Alexander is the council's cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care.

She said: “This is a very welcome token of appreciation for our carers who have shown their excellent qualities over the recent challenging period.

"We are proud of them and the sterling work they have undertaken. As the saying goes ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ and our carers thoroughly deserve this recognition for their resilience and positivity.”

Councillor Rachel Powell, cabinet member for young people, leisure and culture, said: “We acknowledge the vital contribution of all care workers in Powys and this financial gesture is welcomed although, should not distract from the true value of this vocation.”

Employers are responsible for identifying and communicating with their staff about how to claim from the scheme, including distribution of the claim forms to employees and submitting finalised claims to the Council. If you think you are eligible for payment, please speak to your employer.

Letters and claim forms will also be sent to all care workers directly employed by the Council and payment will be made into their monthly pay by the payroll department.

If you are a social care provider or personal assistant and have not received any information about the scheme, please email CareandWellbeing.CorpFinance@powys.gov.uk

HMRC has confirmed that the payment will be regarded as earnings and will be liable for tax, national insurance contributions and student loan repayments where appropriate.