A Carer Payment is income support you may receive if you provide constant care to a person who lives with a medical condition, severe disability or is a frail, older person.

The Carer Payment can be in addition to other income you earn.

Who is a carer?

In the context of the Carer Payment, a carer is someone who provides unpaid care for a person in their own home, the other person’s home, or in hospital.

The person may need physical help, such as to get dressed or to be lifted in and out of bed. 

They may need support around shopping, meals, and medication. Their care may also include supervision that helps keep them independent and safe.

A carer receiving Carer Payment may provide care for one person or multiple people.

Am I eligible for Carer Payment? 

To receive the Carer Payment, both you and the person you care for, must be eligible. 

You must both be Australian residents and you will need to meet an income and assets test.

How much you receive from the Carer Payment depends on how much you get paid and what you own. 

The person you provide care for will also be assessed as to their income and assets. Learn more about the income and assets test.

You may be eligible for the Carer Payment if  the person you care for:

• Has a disability or medical condition that may last at least 6 months, or has a terminal illness; and
• Needs constant care in their home, your home, or in hospital.

Learn more about eligibility conditions for Carer Payment.

How much can I get? 

How much Carer Payment you receive depends partly on whether you are single or partnered.

Currently, the maximum rate is $1,096.70 per fortnight if you are single and $1,653.40 per fortnight if you are partnered. 

How to claim Carer Payment

• First, check your eligibility for Carer Payment 
• You will need a myGov account linked to Centrelink. You will need to give  documents, including a medical form for the person you care for. The form could be provided by either a doctor or another medical professional 
• Once you have submitted your claim, Centrelink will check your eligibility. If you are approved, you should start receiving payments within a few weeks.

For more information on Carer Payment, visit the Service Australia website.