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You may need to provide care for someone who:
- has a medical condition
- has disability
- is frail aged.
We have payments available for people who provide ongoing care for someone. Read about getting a payment when you’re caring for someone.
If the person you care for needs support
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, illness or disability
- an adult with a medical condition, illness or disability.
What state government help is available for carers
Some states and territories offer additional support for carers. These links will take you away from our website.
| State or territory | Resources |
|---|---|
| ACT | The ACT Government can help you find services and resources for carers. |
| NSW | Service NSW provides support for carers, which includes programs, services and concessions. |
| NT | The NT Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities can help you find information for carers. |
| Qld | The Queensland Government can help you find support services for carers, including counselling and respite care. |
| SA | SA.GOV.AU offers support, information and resources for carers. |
| Tas | The Tasmanian Government Department of Health offers support for children, carers and family. |
| Vic | The Victorian State Government offers carer support services, including travel discounts and respite services. |
| WA | The WA Department of Communities offers support for families and carers. |
If you need other support as a carer
Respite care
You can use 63 days of respite each calendar year without your payment stopping. You need to tell us if you take a break. Read about taking a break from care if you get Carer Payment or Carer Allowance.
You can use these days for anything, including a holiday or simply taking a break from caring.
The Department of Social Services Carer Gateway has additional information about respite care. Read more about respite care on the Carer Gateway website.
Home help
It’s important to understand what you need to do and what help you can get to make your life easier. The Carer Gateway website provides helpful tips when you’re caring at home. It includes information about how to use alarms and monitors, and how to move people safely.
Carers Australia
The national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers. The Carers Australia website has information about this national carers group and support services.
Carer Gateway
Find information and support for carers on the Carer Gateway website. They also have a free telephone counselling service.
My Aged Care
The My Aged Care website tells you about support you can get if you care for someone who’s frail aged.
National Disability Insurance Scheme
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports people with disability, their families and carers. The NDIS helps people with disability to get work and participate in the community.
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 a 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.