Carer Allowance vs Carer Payment: which one is for you?

10 October 2023

So, what’s the difference between the Carer Payment and the Carer Allowance? Both provide financial help for carers, but they’re run a little differently.

The Carer Allowance is a payment of $144.80 a fortnight for people who provide daily care and assistance to someone with a disability, medical condition or frail aged. To receive it, you must be an Australian resident, and your and your partner’s combined income must be less than $250,000 a year.

You can get the Carer Allowance for each eligible person you care for. So, if you have more than one eligible child with disability, you’ll receive the allowance for each child. If you have multiple children who don’t quite meet the eligibility threshold, their combined care needs may mean you can still receive the Carer Allowance.

If children under 16 are being cared for, they also get a Health Care Card.

How to claim Carer Allowance – Carer Allowance – Services Australia

The Carer Payment is a little different. It’s a fortnightly payment of up to $1,064 (more for couples). You receive this if you provide substantial daily care and assistance to someone needing constant care with a disability, a medical condition, or who’s frail aged.

If you qualify for the Carer Payment, then you’ll also receive the Carer Allowance.

To get the Carer Payment you must be an Australian resident and earn less than the cut-off points which are approximately $60,000 if you’re single, and $92,000 for couples. How much you receive is scaled and depends on what you and your partner earn.

Who can get Carer Payment – Carer Payment – Services Australia