Carer Payments Australia 2026: Eligibility, Rates, and How to Apply
The Carer Payments provide financial assistance to Australians who give full-time care to someone with a severe disability, serious medical condition, or who is frail aged. While care giving can be emotionally fulfilling, it often comes with significant financial responsibility. In 2026, the Australian Government continues to provide this essential support through Services Australia, helping carers manage living costs while maintaining their care giving duties.
This guide explains eligibility requirements for the Carer Payment, the application process, payment rates, details about the Carer Allowance, and additional support available to carers across Australia.
Table of Contents
Understanding Carer Payments
Australia offers two primary forms of support for carers. The Carer Payment provides income support for carers whose responsibilities prevent them from working full-time. In contrast, the Carer Allowance is a supplementary, non-taxable payment designed to assist with extra costs associated with caregiving, such as travel, equipment, or medical expenses. Carers can receive the Carer Allowance alongside the Carer Payment or independently, and it can be received while working without affecting eligibility for other income support.
Carer Payment 2026: Eligibility and Rates
The Carer Payment is intended for individuals who provide continuous, daily care for someone with severe care needs. To qualify, care must be provided for at least six months or for someone who is terminally ill. The level of care required must be confirmed through an approved medical assessment, such as the Adult Disability Assessment Tool (ADAT), and medical evidence from a doctor or specialist must be submitted with the claim.
Both the carer and the care recipient must meet Australian residency requirements and live in Australia during the claim period. The payment is subject to income and assets testing, and carers may engage in limited part-time work provided it does not exceed 25 hours per week or 100 hours over a four-week period. The primary responsibility of the carer must remain providing daily care.
As of 2026, the Carer Payment rate is approximately $1,064 per fortnight for a single carer. Couples who both qualify may each receive around $801 per fortnight. Additional payments, including the pension supplement and energy supplement, may apply depending on individual circumstances. Claims are submitted online through a myGov account linked to Centrelink, along with proof of identity, medical evidence, and financial information. Payments are often backdated to the date the claim is lodged.
Carer Allowance 2026
The Carer Allowance is a non-taxable supplement that assists with the extra costs of caregiving. Eligibility requires daily care for a person expected to need support for at least twelve months or for someone who is terminally ill. The care recipient must meet specific medical and functional criteria, confirmed through an approved assessment, and both the carer and the care recipient must meet Australian residency requirements. There is no assets test, and the income threshold is relatively high. The allowance is approximately $159.30 per fortnight per eligible care recipient. Applications are submitted using the Carer Allowance claim form with supporting medical documentation, through a myGov account linked to Centrelink.
Additional Support for Carers
Carers may also be entitled to a $600 annual supplement per care recipient, generally paid in July. Respite services allow carers to take breaks for up to 63 days per year without affecting their Carer Payment or Carer Allowance, provided that Services Australia is notified in advance. Carers may also access Health Care Cards to reduce medical and prescription costs. Further support is available through Carer Gateway, which provides counselling, coaching, and guidance, and Carers Australia, which offers advocacy, information, and community support. If a claim is rejected, carers can request a review by an Authorised Review Officer within thirteen weeks, which may include back payments if the decision is overturned.
Application Process
The application process begins by confirming eligibility using the Carer Payment Checker on the Services Australia website. Carers must gather required documents, including proof of identity, medical evidence, and financial information, before submitting their claim online via a myGov account linked to Centrelink. Centrelink may contact medical professionals or request additional documentation during the assessment. Payments are frequently backdated to the claim lodgment date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Carer Payments in 2026?
Eligibility requires providing continuous, daily care to someone with a severe disability, serious medical condition, or who is frail aged. Both the carer and the care recipient must meet Australian residency requirements, and the payment is subject to income and assets testing.
What is the difference between Carer Payments and Carer Allowance?
The Carer Payment provides income support for full-time carers and is means-tested. The Carer Allowance is a non-taxable supplement to assist with additional care giving expenses and can be received alongside other payments.
How much is the Carer Payments in 2026?
The Carer Payment is approximately $1,064 per fortnight for a single carer and $801 per fortnight per partner if both qualify. Additional supplements may apply.
Can I work while receiving Carer Payments?
Limited part-time work is allowed but cannot exceed 25 hours per week or 100 hours over four weeks. The main responsibility of the carer must remain daily care giving.
How do I apply for Carer Payments or Carer Allowance?
Applications are submitted online via a myGov account linked to Centrelink. Required documents include proof of identity, medical evidence, and financial information.
Official Resources
For verified information, eligibility criteria, payment rates, and application procedures, visit the official Services Australia Carer Payment page at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-payment.