Getting support

Support for carers

Caring for someone can be life changing and it’s important to know there’s support available.

We have payments available if you provide ongoing care for someone in need. These payments depend on your circumstances and those of the person you care for.

Read about getting a payment when you’re caring for someone.

There’s also other support to help you as a carer.

Parent Pathways for parents or carers

If you’re a parent or carer of a child under 6, Parent Pathways can help you meet your personal, study or work goals.

Parent Pathways is a free and voluntary support service. You can work with a qualified mentor to choose from a range of support options including:

• financial support, for example to help with the cost of getting a licence, training courses, textbooks or to buy a computer
• referral to support services such as health, family and domestic violence or financial information services
• support to find a childcare centre and help with childcare costs
• training, such as a short course at the local TAFE
• career guidance
• language or literacy programs.

Read more about Parent Pathways.

National support

There’s national support and information services available to help carers.

Respite care

Sometimes you may need to take a break from caring so you can rest and recharge.

Read more about breaks from caring.

Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway is a free national service providing in-person, online and phone-based support and services to people who care for a family member or friend.

Their services include counselling, coaching, respite care, home help and equipment.

The Carer Gateway website provides practical tips for caring at home. It includes information about how to use alarms and monitors, and how to move people safely.

Taking care of your physical and emotional health is essential. The Carer Gateway website has more about looking after yourself when you’re a carer.

You can find other support and services on the Carer Gateway website.

Carers Australia

Carers Australia is the national peak body for carers. The Carers Australia website has information about support groups and support services.

The Young Carer Bursary Program helps young carers aged 12-25 to study through funding support. Find out about the Young Carer Bursary on the Young Carers Network website.

My Aged Care

The My Aged Care website tells you about support you can get if you care for someone who’s elderly.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports people with disability, their families and carers. The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain an improved quality of life.

Read more on the NDIS website.

Special Disability Trusts

You can set up a Special Disability Trust to plan for future care and housing for someone with disability.

Transport and travel help

You may help the person you care for with travelling outside the home.

Depending on their circumstances, the person you care for may be eligible for Mobility Allowance. This payment helps with travel costs connected to work, study or looking for work.

Read more about transport and travel support for carers on the Carer Gateway website.

Family and domestic violence

If you’re living with violence or abuse, there are some things you need to do to keep your information safe.

We can help you access our payments and connect you to help from other places.

State government support

States and territories offer additional information and support for carers.

Support for the person you care for

The person you care for may be eligible for payments and support from us. What they can get will depend on their situation.

Find more information about what support is available if they’re one of the following:

• a child with a medical condition or disability
• an adult with a medical condition or disability.