Getting a payment

There are payments available to help you if you provide ongoing care for someone.

What payments you can get as a carer

You may be eligible for different payments depending on your circumstances and those of the person you care for. These payments include:

  • Carer Payment, an income support payment if you give constant care to someone who has a disability, has a severe medical condition, or is an adult who is frail aged
  • Carer Allowance, a fortnightly supplement if you give additional daily care to someone who has a disability, has a medical condition, or is frail aged.

You may be able to get both Carer Payment and Carer Allowance at the same time.

If you get Carer Payment, you can work, study or train for up to 25 hours per week and still get paid. The 25 hours includes meal breaks and travel time.

If you’re getting Carer Payment and you or your partner are working, you’ll need to report the employment income to us.

Carer Supplement is an annual payment. It helps cover costs when caring for someone with disability or a medical condition. You’ll get Carer Supplement if you’re getting Carer Payment or Carer Allowance for a period that includes 1 July.

Child Disability Assistance Payment is an annual payment if you get Carer Allowance. You’re eligible if both of the following apply. You:

  • got Carer Allowance for a period that includes 1 July
  • provided care for a child with disability or a severe medical condition.

Carer Adjustment Payment is a one-off payment for carers of a child aged under 7 years. It helps families with a child diagnosed with a severe medical condition or disability following a catastrophic event.

You’re under 25

Young carers may also be eligible for Youth Allowance for students and Australian Apprentices if they’re studying full time.

You may also be able to claim the Ex-Carer Allowance (Child) Health Care Card. It gives you access to cheaper medicines and health care.

The Young Carer Bursary Program gives payments to eligible students aged 12 to 25. Read more about the Young Carer Bursary Program on the Department of Social Services website.

You care for a child

There’s support available if you care for a child. You may be able to get:

There’s additional support available if you care for a child with disability or severe medical condition.

What tasks you can do online

If you need support because of your care responsibilities, you can claim Carer Payment and Carer Allowance online. Find out how to claim.

If you’re getting Carer Payment, you can use your Centrelink online account through myGov to report your employment income

If you’re getting Carer Payment or Carer Allowance, you can use your Centrelink online account through myGov to:

Page last updated: 3 March 2022.