Carer Payment and Carer Allowance — Differences and How to Apply

If you provide constant care to someone with a severe disability, medical condition, or who is frail aged, you may qualify for one or both of two Centrelink payments: Carer Payment (income support) and Carer Allowance (supplementary). Many carers don't realise these exist — or that they can receive both at the same time. This guide explains the differences and how to apply.

Carer Payment vs Carer Allowance — what's the difference

• Carer Payment is an income support payment (similar amount to JobSeeker or Age Pension). It's for people who provide care to such an extent that they can't substantially work, study, or look after themselves. Income and asset tested.
• Carer Allowance is a supplementary, fortnightly payment of ~$159 to help with the costs of caring. It's not income tested and can be received whether or not you work.
• Many carers receive both — Carer Allowance is the supplement, Carer Payment is the main income support.

Eligibility for Carer Payment

• You must provide constant care — usually living with the person, or visiting daily.
• The person you care for must have a permanent or extended severe disability, medical condition, or be frail aged.
• Income and assets must be below thresholds (same as Age Pension thresholds approximately).
• If you do paid work, study, or volunteer activities, this can't exceed 25 hours per week combined.

Eligibility for Carer Allowance

• Provide additional daily care for a person with disability or medical condition (doesn't have to be 'constant').
• The person being cared for must have certain medical/disability conditions assessed under the Adult/Child Disability Assessment Tool.
• There's a family income test of approximately $250,000/year (very high — most people qualify).

How to apply

• Apply via myGov. Choose Carer Allowance and Carer Payment claims (you can submit both at once).
• You'll need medical reports from the treating doctor of the person you care for.
• Allow 6–8 weeks for processing.
• Backdating is available in some cases — apply as soon as you start caring.

Frequently asked questions

I work part-time — can I still get Carer Payment?

Yes, but combined work + study + volunteer time must be under 25 hours per week.

Can both parents claim Carer Allowance for the same child?

Only one Carer Allowance per care receiver, but a couple can share it if both substantially care. Carer Payment is also limited to one principal carer.

What about the Carer Supplement?

An annual lump sum of approximately $600 paid each July to Carer Payment and/or Carer Allowance recipients. Automatic — no separate application.