Carer Payments provide essential financial assistance to Australians who give full-time care to someone with a severe disability, serious medical condition, or who is frail aged. In 2026, Carer Payments continue to support carers through Services Australia, with the Carer Payment offering income support and the Carer Allowance providing supplementary assistance. This guide explains everything you need to know about Carer Payments — eligibility, rates, and how to apply.

Carer Payments Australia 2026 rates and eligibility guide
Carer Payments Australia 2026 — income support and Carer Allowance for Australian carers

Understanding Carer Payments

Australia offers two primary forms of support for carers [1]:

  • Carer Payment: Provides income support for carers whose responsibilities prevent them from working full-time. It is means-tested.
  • Carer Allowance: A supplementary, non-taxable payment designed to assist with extra costs associated with caregiving, such as travel, equipment, or medical expenses. It can be received alongside the Carer Payment or independently [2].
Key point: 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 [2].
Carer Payments eligibility and application process Australia
Carer Payments — eligibility, application process, and support available

Carer Payment 2026 — Eligibility and Rates

The Carer Payment is intended for individuals who provide continuous, daily care for someone with severe care needs [1]. 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)
  • 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 Carer Payment is subject to income and assets testing. 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 [1].

Carer Payment Rates (2026)

SituationMaximum Fortnightly Rate
Single carer$1,064.00
Couple — each partner (if both qualify)$801.00 each
Couple — combined$1,602.00
Single carer with dependent children$1,147.00

Source: Services Australia — effective 20 March 2026 [1]. Additional payments, including the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement, may apply depending on individual circumstances.

Carer Payments Australia 2026 — additional support and resources
Carer Payments — additional support, respite services, and carer resources

Carer Allowance 2026

The Carer Allowance is a non-taxable supplement that assists with the extra costs of caregiving [2].

  • Eligibility: Requires daily care for a person expected to need support for at least twelve months or for someone who is terminally ill
  • Medical criteria: The care recipient must meet specific medical and functional criteria, confirmed through an approved assessment
  • Residency: Both the carer and the care recipient must meet Australian residency requirements
  • Means testing: There is no assets test, and the income threshold is relatively high
Carer Allowance rate: Approximately $159.30 per fortnight per eligible care recipient [2].

Additional Support for Carers

Carers may also be entitled to additional support [1]:

  • $600 annual supplement — per care recipient, generally paid in July
  • Respite services: Carers can 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
  • Health Care Cards: To reduce medical and prescription costs
  • Carer Gateway: Provides counselling, coaching, and guidance — carergateway.gov.au
  • Carers Australia: Offers advocacy, information, and community support — carersaustralia.com.au
Appeals: 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 [1].

How to Apply for Carer Payments

The application process for Carer Payments involves the following steps [1]:

  1. Check eligibility: Use the Carer Payment Checker on the Services Australia website
  2. Gather documents: Proof of identity, medical evidence, and financial information
  3. Submit claim: Online via a myGov account linked to Centrelink
  4. Assessment: Centrelink may contact medical professionals or request additional documentation
  5. Backdating: Payments are frequently backdated to the claim lodgment date
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Need help with your claim?

Contact Services Australia for assistance with your Carer Payment or Carer Allowance application.

Visit Services Australia →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Carer Payments in 2026?

Eligibility for Carer Payments 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 [1].

What is the difference between Carer Payment 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 caregiving expenses and can be received alongside other payments [1].

How much is the Carer Payment 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 [1].

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 caregiving [1].

How do I apply for Carer Payment 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 [1].

What is the Carer Allowance rate in 2026?

The Carer Allowance is approximately $159.30 per fortnight per eligible care recipient [2].

Official Resources

For verified information, eligibility criteria, payment rates, and application procedures, visit the official Services Australia pages:

References

  1. Services Australia — Carer Payment
  2. Services Australia — Carer Allowance

Disclaimer: AssistInfoAU provides general information about Carer Payments and other Centrelink payments. We are an independent publisher and are not affiliated with Services Australia, Centrelink, or any Australian Government department, and we cannot access or change your personal Centrelink record.

Rates, thresholds and rules are set by the Australian Government and can change without notice. This article was checked against Services Australia publications on July 2026 — always confirm current figures at servicesaustralia.gov.au. See our full Disclaimer, Editorial Policy, and Privacy Policy.