on this page
When you can get Carer Payment is based on your circumstances. There may be some waiting periods that affect how soon you can get your first payment.
When you’ll get paid
In most cases, you’ll get your first Carer Payment around 2 weeks after we approve your claim. You may have to wait if any waiting periods apply. Once your payment starts, we’ll pay you fortnightly.
We calculate the waiting period that applies to you when we assess your claim. The time it takes us to assess your claim doesn’t affect your waiting period. If your Centrelink online account is linked to myGov, you can check your completed claim online and see when to expect to hear from us. Sign in now to find out:
- when we’ve accepted your claim
- when your payment will start
- when you need to report your income
- when your first income report is due.
Why you may have to wait
In some circumstances, you may have to wait for your first payment.
You recently finished seasonal work
If you or your partner finished seasonal, contract or intermittent work in the 6 months before claiming. The time you need to wait depends on how much you earned and how long you were working.
You’ve had a compensation payment
If you’ve had a lump sum compensation payment. The time you have to wait depends on how much your lump sum payment is. Use our compensation estimator or phone us on your regular payment line for information about your compensation preclusion period.
We have tips and tools for budgeting and managing your money during this time.