(1) Subject to this Act, the rate (in this Chapter referred to as the "scheduled rate") of carer's benefit shall be -

(a) in the case of a person who is a carer of more than one relevant person, the weekly rate set out in column (2) at reference 7(b) in Part 1 of Schedule 2, and

(b) in any other case, the weekly rate set out in column (2) at reference 7(a) in Part 1 of Schedule 2,

increased by the appropriate amount set out in column (4) of that Part opposite that reference in respect of each qualified child who has not attained the age of 12 years who normally resides with the beneficiary, or as the case may be, the appropriate amount set out in column (5) of that Part opposite that reference in respect of each qualified child who has attained the age of 12 years who normally resides with the beneficiary.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), any increase of carer's benefit payable under subsection (1) in respect of a qualified child who normally resides with the beneficiary and with the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the beneficiary shall be payable at the rate of one-half of the appropriate amount and subsection (1) shall be read and have effect accordingly.