Australia relies heavily on family carers, the adult children, partners and friends looking after someone who is frail, unwell or living with disability. Yet many don’t realise they may be entitled to financial support, or confuse the two main carer payments and assume they don’t qualify. Here’s the plain-language guide.
Two Different Payments
There are two main carer payments from Services Australia, and they do different jobs.
Carer Payment is income support. It’s for people who can’t work full time because they give constant care to someone with a disability, a medical condition, or who is frail aged. It’s means tested and works much like a pension.
Carer Allowance is a supplement. It’s for people who give daily care and attention, and it’s paid on top of other income, including wages or Carer Payment. It isn’t asset tested and isn’t taxed.
Many carers can get both.
How Much They Pay
From 20 September 2026, Carer Payment is up to $1,237.70 a fortnight for a single person, or up to $933.00 each for couples, depending on income and assets.
Carer Allowance is $162.60 a fortnight. It’s available if your family’s adjusted taxable income is under $250,000 a year.
Eligible carers also receive a Carer Supplement of up to $600 each year, paid automatically in July.
Who Can Get Carer Payment
Generally, you need to give constant care in your home or the home of the person you care for, and they need to be assessed as needing that level of care. Both of you need to meet residence rules, and your income and assets must be under the limits.
You can still work, study or volunteer for up to 25 hours a week, including travel time, and keep Carer Payment.
Who Can Get Carer Allowance
Carer Allowance is for people giving daily care and attention to someone whose condition is expected to last at least 12 months, or who has a terminal illness. You don’t have to stop working, and there’s no limit on how many hours you work. It’s often the payment people miss, because they assume carer payments are only for people who’ve left work.
How to Claim
Both payments are claimed through Services Australia, usually online through myGov. You’ll need information about the person you care for, and they or their doctor may need to provide details about their care needs. If you’re caring for a parent, it’s worth checking eligibility even if you’re working, since Carer Allowance has no work test.
Beyond money, the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 offers free counselling, coaching, respite help and practical support for carers. And if you’re juggling care with a job, our guide to your workplace rights as a carer covers carer’s leave and flexible work. Full eligibility details are on the Services Australia website.
The Bottom Line
Carer Payment is means-tested income support of up to $1,237.70 a fortnight for people who can’t work full time because of constant care. Carer Allowance is a $162.60 fortnightly top-up for daily care, with no assets test and no work limit, and many people can get both. If you care for a parent or partner, check your eligibility, because these are payments many carers simply never claim. This is general information, not financial advice.
Epik Wire covers aged care in plain language for older Australians, their families and carers. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
