You May Be Eligible
Based on your details, you may qualify for Carer Payment.
Fortnightly Payment
$1,144.40
Annual Payment
$29,754.40
Max Rate
$1,144.40
per fortnight
Income Reduction
$0.00
per fortnight
Everything you need to know about Carer Payment in Australia
Carer Payment
Carer Payment provides income support if you give constant care to someone with a severe disability, medical condition or who is frail aged. You must provide care in the home of the person you care for. The payment rate is the same as the Age Pension.
Income and Assets Tests
Carer Payment is means-tested through both an income test and an assets test. The income free area is $204 per fortnight for singles. Income above this reduces your payment by 50 cents per dollar. Asset thresholds also apply.
Carer Supplement
If you receive Carer Payment, you may also receive a Carer Supplement -- an annual payment of $600 for each person you care for. This is paid automatically in July.
Key Thresholds
Income Free Area (Single)
$204 per fortnight before reductions apply.
Income Taper Rate
50 cents per dollar above the free area.
Carer Supplement
$600 per year for each person you care for.
Payment Basis
Same rate as the Age Pension, paid fortnightly.
Services Australia Rates: This calculator uses current rates for the 2025-26 financial year. Eligibility also depends on medical assessments not captured here.
Financial support from Centrelink when you provide full-time care for someone with a disability or medical condition
What is Carer Payment?
Carer Payment is an income support payment from Services Australia (Centrelink) for people who cannot work full-time because they provide constant care to someone with a severe disability, illness, or who is frail aged. As of 2024-25, the maximum rate is about A$1,020 per fortnight for a single person. It is a taxable payment, meaning it counts as income on your tax return.
Who is eligible for Carer Payment?
You must provide constant care in the home of the person you look after. The person you care for must have a disability, medical condition, or be frail aged and need care equivalent to a nursing home level. You must pass an income and assets test. Your combined income (yours and your partner) and assets must be below certain thresholds. You also need to be an Australian resident living in Australia.
How does the income test work?
If you are single, you can earn up to about A$204 per fortnight before your payment starts to reduce. For each dollar over that, your payment drops by 50 cents. If you are in a couple, the combined income threshold is about A$360 per fortnight. Your partner's income also affects your payment. Once your income reaches a certain cut-off point, you lose the payment entirely.
What is the difference between Carer Payment and Carer Allowance?
Carer Payment is a full income support payment for people who cannot work because of their caring role. Carer Allowance is a smaller supplementary payment (about A$153 per fortnight) that you can receive on top of other income or payments. You can get both at the same time. Carer Allowance is not income-tested, while Carer Payment is.
Can you work while receiving Carer Payment?
Yes, but with limits. You can work, study, or volunteer for up to 25 hours per week, including travel time. Your earnings are counted under the income test, so if you earn too much your payment will reduce. You must still provide constant care — your working hours cannot interfere with the care you provide. Many carers do part-time or casual work within these limits.
What is the assets test for Carer Payment?
If you own your home, your other assets must be below about A$301,750 (single) or A$451,500 (couple combined). If you do not own your home, the limits are higher — about A$543,750 (single) or A$693,500 (couple). Assets include savings, investments, vehicles, and property other than your home. Superannuation is generally not counted if you are under Age Pension age.
What extra payments can carers receive?
Carers may also get a Carer Supplement of about A$600 per year paid in July. You might qualify for Rent Assistance if you rent your home (up to about A$188 per fortnight). The Energy Supplement adds about A$14 per fortnight. A Pensioner Concession Card gives you discounts on medicines, bills, and transport. These extras can add up to several thousand dollars a year.
How do you apply for Carer Payment?
You apply through myGov linked to Centrelink or by visiting a Services Australia office. You need to provide medical evidence about the person you care for, including reports from their treating doctor. The assessment usually involves a Disability/Carer questionnaire. Processing can take several weeks, so apply as soon as possible. If approved, payment is backdated to your application date.
ATO-Aligned: Based on 2024-25 ATO rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified tax agent.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current ATO rates and thresholds for the 2024–25 financial year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified tax agent before making financial decisions. Read our terms
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