Carer Payment is government-funded financial support for full-time carers. Services Australia has defined Carer Payment and how to qualify for it. This support helps cover the cost of living when full-time employment is not possible. It compensates how much time and opportunity cost carers sacrifice for employment and is truly a gift to the carer and the family receiving the care, most of whom rely on the carer’s employment to support the family. Assistive care comes in physical, supervisory, and emotional forms for hours each day.
Short Table of Form Data for Carer Payment Claims:
| Form Data Element | Details Required |
|---|---|
| Personal Details | Carer’s and care recipient’s identity and residency |
| Care Details | Nature, duration, and intensity of care provided |
| Medical Evidence | Health professional assessment and disability score |
| Income and Assets Info | Financial declarations for carer and care recipient |
| Employment Status | Working hours and employment status of the carer |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Carer Payment, both the carer and the cared for need to be residing in Australia, within particular income and assets boundaries. The cared for person must have ongoing disability or medical condition which is for six months or more, or adults who are aged and frail in need of constant caring. The term ‘constant care’ is used to means the care to be provided for the duration of a normal working day which includes lifting, moving, dressing and ensuring safety and supervision. The carer, however, is allowed to do paid work of 100 hours within 4 weeks and still be eligible.
Income and assets are the main determinants to define the thresholds.
For someone taking care of another person, the income has to be below $2,510 (single) or $3,836 (couple combined) every two weeks before tax, and payments are reduced gradually just a bit above these amounts. If someone owns a home, the limits on the value of the financial and non-financial assets, count home and land and the immediate surrounding land, and the home value caps would differ. The person receiving care has limits on their finances with income below $140,795 a year and assets under $868,500 (excluding the principal home). These limits are reviewed every year.
How Much is the Payment?
Starting March 2025, the fortnightly payments for Carers will be $1,149 for singles and $866 for each of the couples which includes the basic rate, pension supplement and energy supplement. Payments switches to a taxable income once the carer or care recipient reaches the Age Pension age (67+) and tax returns will be required. Payments are reviewed every two years due to economic circumstance and cost-of-living changes.
Application Process and Additional Support
For Carers to apply, they can submit a claim online through myGov with Centrelink or call the Disability, Sickness and Carers line for help. Health professionals are required to do assessments and provide proof to the carer recipient about their condition and the care needed.
Carers Payments can come along with other things like Carer Allowance with Carer Supplement which helps cover the costs of care on a daily basis. Also, make sure to communicate with Services Australia about any changes to caregiving situations or personal situations, as that can affect the ongoing eligibility.
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FAQs
1. Can I work while receiving Carer Payment?
Yes. Carers can work or be self-employed for up to 100 hours within a four-week period without losing eligibility.
2. What happens if the care recipient’s condition improves?
If the care recipient no longer needs constant care or their condition changes, the Carer Payment may be reassessed or discontinued.
3. Is Carer Payment taxable income?
For carers over Age Pension age, Carer Payment is considered taxable income, and an annual tax return might be required.
This Carer Payment helps to maintain dignity while providing the hours of the care that is needed, which is a vital lifeline to make sure a Carer can care for themselves while caring for someone else. This is all for the benefit of the person receiving the care.[7][3][2]
