Nicola Sturgeon has pledged that SNP MPs will press for a better deal for carers across the UK, not just in Scotland.
The party manifesto proposes increasing the carers allowance to the same level as job seekers allowance, providing carers with up to £600 extra.
She said Scotland’s 100,000 carers do an “invaluable job” yet they were some of the people hardest hit by the recession and Westminster austerity.
“The SNP is determined to support Scotland’s carers,” she said.
“That’s why we are bringing forward legislation to recognise the invaluable role carers play in our communities, ensure all adult carers are entitled to their own support plan and establishing local carer advice and information centres.
“But we know that there is more to be done and that Westminster has overlooked carers for too long.
“It is simply unfair that carers do not receive the same support as those looking for work. That’s why the SNP will use our influence at Westminster to put carers firmly on the Westminster agenda, securing an increase in carers allowance benefiting carers to the tune of £600 per year.”
Ms Sturgeon said Labour’s manifesto makes no mention of the carers allowance and the Conservatives were committed to making another £12billion in cuts from the welfare budget.