Carer Allowance Australia — Who Qualifies and How to Claim
This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed financial adviser. Learn more.
Contents
Carer Allowance is a supplementary fortnightly payment for people who provide daily care and attention to someone at home with a disability, medical condition, or who is frail aged. Unlike Carer Payment, Carer Allowance is not income-tested for the carer — you can work full-time and still receive it.
Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rate (FY2025–26) | ~$153/fortnight (~$3,978/year) |
| Income test on carer | None |
| Income test on care receiver | Yes (care receiver’s income must be under ~$154,784/year) |
| Work restrictions | None — you can work full-time |
| Care arrangement | Care receiver must live with you or in your immediate vicinity |
| Who can be cared for | Adults or children with a disability, medical condition, or who are frail aged |
Eligibility
To qualify for Carer Allowance:
You (the carer) must:
- Be providing daily care and attention to the care receiver
- Be an Australian resident
- Not be receiving a payment that already includes Carer Allowance
The care receiver must:
- Have a disability, medical condition, or be frail aged
- Have annual income under ~$154,784 (from all sources — this is the care receiver’s income, not yours)
- Be living with you or in your immediate vicinity
For children under 16:
- The child must be assessed as having a disability or medical condition that requires significant additional care
- Requires the Disability Care Load Assessment (Child) Determination (DCLAD) or Child Disability Assessment Tool (CDAT) process
Carer Allowance vs Carer Payment
| Carer Allowance | Carer Payment | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Supplementary payment | Full income support payment |
| Rate | ~$153/fortnight | ~$1,144/fortnight (same as pension) |
| Income test on carer | None | Yes (income and assets tests) |
| Work restrictions | None | Max 25 hours/week |
| Who qualifies | Broader eligibility — daily care | Full-time constant care required |
| Can hold both? | ✅ Yes — if you meet both sets of criteria | ✅ Yes |
How to Claim
- Log in to myGov → Centrelink → Payments and Claims → Claim a Payment → Carer Allowance
- Provide details about yourself and the person you care for
- Your treating doctor will need to complete a Treating Health Professional (THP) report confirming the care receiver’s condition
- Services Australia assesses whether the care receiver meets the assessment criteria
- If approved, payments begin from your claim date
For caring for an adult: Your doctor provides the THP report; Services Australia may also conduct its own assessment using the ADAT.
For caring for a child: The CDAT or DCLAD assessment is used; both your report and your child’s treating specialist’s report are required.
Annual Carer Allowance Health Care Card
If you receive Carer Allowance, you and the person you care for may be eligible for the Annual Carer Allowance Health Care Card. This provides access to cheaper PBS medicines and some other concessions for the care receiver.
Respite and Time Off
Carers receiving Carer Allowance can access:
- Carer Respite Care (flexible community-based respite through My Aged Care for aged care recipients)
- Carer Gateway (carer support services — carergateway.gov.au, 1800 422 737)
- Emergency respite if you have an unexpected event preventing you from providing care
FAQ
Does my income matter for Carer Allowance? No — there is no income or assets test on the carer’s income. Only the care receiver’s income is tested (must be under ~$154,784/year).
Can I receive Carer Allowance and JobSeeker at the same time? Yes — you can receive Carer Allowance alongside another income support payment such as JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, or the Age Pension.
How often is Carer Allowance paid? Carer Allowance is paid fortnightly, into your nominated bank account.
Does the care receiver need to have a formal disability diagnosis? The care receiver needs to be assessed under the relevant tool (ADAT for adults, CDAT/DCLAD for children). A formal disability diagnosis helps, but the assessment looks at functional need and care requirements — not just the diagnosis itself.
See also: Carer Payment | Family Tax Benefit | Centrelink Payments Guide
For advice tailored to your situation, contact a social worker or the Carer Gateway (1800 422 737).