Carer Payment Rates 2026
Carer Payment provides income support to people who are unable to support themselves through work because they provide constant care to someone with a severe disability, illness, or frailty associated with old age. From 20 March 2026, the rate is $1,200.90 per fortnight for single carers — the same as the Age Pension.
Current Carer Payment Rates
| Situation | Per Fortnight | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
Single carer Same rate as Age Pension single. Includes base rate ($1,100.30) + Pension Supplement ($86.50) + Energy Supplement ($14.10). Effective 20 March 2026. | $1200.90 | $31,223 |
Partnered carer (each) Same rate as Age Pension couple rate. Effective 20 March 2026. | $905.20 | $23,535 |
Rates effective 20 March 2026. Next indexation: 20 September 2026.
Eligibility
You must provide daily care and attention to a person with a severe disability or illness who lives with you (or nearby), and meet the income and assets tests. The person you care for must also be assessed as needing care.
Income Test
Free area (single): $218/fortnight
Free area (couple combined): $380/fortnight
Taper rate: 50 cents per dollar above free area
Same income test as Age Pension. Payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar above the free area.
Assets Test
Same thresholds as Age Pension. Family home is excluded.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must provide constant care (daily personal care or supervision) to the care receiver
- The care receiver must have a severe disability, illness or frailty assessed as needing constant care
- The care receiver must be an Australian resident
- You must meet the income and assets tests (same as Age Pension)
- You can work up to 25 hours per week (including travel) — the "25-hour rule"
- The care receiver must live with you in most cases (exceptions for parents, children and siblings)
- Both you and the care receiver must be Australian residents
Key Facts at a Glance
About Carer Payment
Carer Payment is one of Australia's most important welfare payments, recognising the significant economic contribution of unpaid carers. Around 300,000 Australians receive Carer Payment, providing care to a family member or friend with a severe disability or illness.
Carer Payment vs Carer Allowance These are two different payments that are often confused: • Carer Payment is an income support payment for people who cannot work because they provide full-time care. It replaces your income. The rate is the same as the Age Pension ($1,200.90/fn for singles from March 2026). • Carer Allowance ($153.50 per fortnight) is a supplementary payment that can be paid in addition to Carer Payment, other income support payments, or even wages. It recognises the extra costs of caring.
Who can receive Carer Payment? You can receive Carer Payment if you provide constant care (daily personal care or supervision) to: • An adult with a severe disability or illness (assessed using the Adult Disability Assessment Tool — ADAT) • A child with a severe disability or illness (assessed using the Disability Care Load Assessment — DCLA) • An adult who is frail aged
The 25-hour rule You can work, study or train for up to 25 hours per week (including travel time) while receiving Carer Payment. This is called the "25-hour rule". If you work more than 25 hours in any week, you may lose your Carer Payment for that period.
Carer Payment and respite Carer Payment recipients are entitled to 63 days of respite per year without losing their payment. During respite, the care receiver can be in hospital, a respite facility, or cared for by someone else. This gives carers a break without financial penalty.
Carer Supplement Carer Payment recipients receive an annual Carer Supplement of $600 per year (paid in July). This is in addition to the fortnightly Carer Payment.
How to Apply
Apply through myGov or at a Services Australia service centre. Both you and the person you care for will need to complete forms. A medical certificate from the care receiver's doctor is required.
- Log in to myGov and link Centrelink
- Select "Make a claim" and choose "Carer Payment"
- Complete the carer's claim form (SA404 or online equivalent)
- The care receiver must complete a medical report (SA394 for adults or SA397 for children)
- The care receiver's treating doctor must complete a medical certificate
- Centrelink may conduct a Carer Assessment to verify the level of care provided
- Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks
- You may also want to claim Carer Allowance at the same time
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Carer Payment in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, Carer Payment is $1,200.90 per fortnight for a single carer — the same rate as the Age Pension. For partnered carers, each person receives $905.20 per fortnight. Carer Payment recipients also receive an annual Carer Supplement of $600 paid in July.
What is the difference between Carer Payment and Carer Allowance?
Carer Payment ($1,200.90/fn for singles) is an income support payment for people who cannot work because they provide full-time care. It replaces your income. Carer Allowance ($153.50/fn) is a supplementary payment that can be paid in addition to Carer Payment, other income support payments, or even wages. Many carers receive both.
Can I work while receiving Carer Payment?
Yes, but only up to 25 hours per week (including travel time). This is the "25-hour rule". If you work more than 25 hours in any week, you may lose your Carer Payment for that period. Study and volunteering also count towards the 25 hours. You must notify Centrelink if you start working.
Does the person I care for need to live with me?
In most cases, the care receiver must live with you. However, there are exceptions: you can provide care to a parent, child, or sibling who lives nearby (in a separate dwelling on the same property or in close proximity). The care must still be daily and constant.
Can I get Carer Payment for caring for a child?
Yes. If you care for a child with a severe disability or medical condition, you may be eligible for Carer Payment. The child must be assessed under the Disability Care Load Assessment (Child) Determination (DCLA). The child must be under 16 years old. For children aged 16 or over, the Adult Disability Assessment Tool (ADAT) is used.
What is the Carer Supplement?
The Carer Supplement is an annual payment of $600 paid to Carer Payment recipients each July. It is designed to help with the costs of caring. It is paid automatically — you do not need to apply for it separately. Carer Allowance recipients also receive a Carer Supplement of $600 per year.
How many days of respite can I take?
Carer Payment recipients are entitled to 63 days of respite per year without losing their payment. During respite, the care receiver can be in hospital, a respite facility, or cared for by someone else. You must notify Centrelink when the care receiver enters respite. If the care receiver is hospitalised for more than 63 days, your Carer Payment may be suspended.
What is the ADAT assessment for Carer Payment?
The Adult Disability Assessment Tool (ADAT) is used to assess whether an adult care receiver needs constant care. It measures the care receiver's functional limitations across areas including self-care, communication, mobility, and behaviour. The ADAT score determines whether the care receiver qualifies as needing constant care for Carer Payment purposes. The assessment is completed by the care receiver's treating doctor.
Can I receive Carer Payment and DSP at the same time?
No. You cannot receive both Carer Payment and Disability Support Pension (DSP) at the same time, as both are income support payments. However, if you have a disability yourself AND provide care to someone else, you may be able to receive DSP and Carer Allowance simultaneously.
What happens to Carer Payment when the care receiver dies?
If the person you care for dies, your Carer Payment will continue for up to 14 weeks after their death. This is called the "bereavement payment" and is designed to give you time to adjust. After 14 weeks, you will need to claim another payment (such as JobSeeker or Age Pension) if you still need income support.
Related Payments
Always verify current rates at the official Services Australia website.
💡 Calculate Your Payment
Use our free calculator to estimate your exact fortnightly payment based on your income and assets.
Open Calculator →Disclaimer: This site is independent and not affiliated with Services Australia or the Australian Government. Rates are sourced from official publications and updated at each indexation. Always verify with Services Australia.