Carer Payment 2026: Rates, Eligibility & How It Differs from Carer Allowance
Carer Payment is $1,200.90/fn for singles from March 2026 — same rate as the Age Pension. See income/asset tests, work limits, respite days, and the difference from Carer Allowance.
Carer Payment rates from 20 March 2026
Carer Payment is paid at the same rate as the Age Pension. From 20 March 2026, the maximum rate for a single carer is $1,200.90 per fortnight ($31,223.40 per year). For partnered carers, each receives up to $905.20 per fortnight ($23,535.20 per year). These rates include the base rate ($1,079.70 single / $813.90 partnered), Pension Supplement ($84.90 / $64.00), and Energy Supplement ($14.10 / $10.60). Carer Payment recipients also receive a Pensioner Concession Card, which provides discounts on PBS medicines, bulk-billed medical services, and utility bills. Carer Payment is a tax-free payment.
Carer Payment vs Carer Allowance: what's the difference?
This is one of the most common points of confusion. Carer Payment is a full income support payment for people who cannot work because they provide constant care. It IS income and asset tested. Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment of $157.40 per fortnight that is NOT income or asset tested — anyone providing daily care can potentially receive it regardless of their income or assets. You can receive BOTH at the same time. Carer Allowance is available to people who provide daily care for someone with a disability, medical condition, or who is frail aged. You don't need to be the person's sole carer to receive Carer Allowance, and you can work full-time while receiving it. Carer Payment, by contrast, requires you to provide constant care and limits your work to 25 hours per week.
Eligibility for Carer Payment
To receive Carer Payment, you must be providing constant care to someone who has a severe disability, severe medical condition, or who is frail aged. 'Constant care' means you personally provide care in the home of the person you care for. The care receiver must score high enough on the Adult Disability Assessment Tool (ADAT) — this is assessed by their treating doctor and you. You must be an Australian resident, and both you and the care receiver must pass identity and residence requirements. If caring for a child under 16, they must qualify under the Disability Care Load Assessment (DCLA). You can care for more than one person and receive a single Carer Payment.
Working while on Carer Payment
Carer Payment allows you to work, study, or volunteer for up to 25 hours per week, including travel time. This is a combined limit — if you work 15 hours and spend 5 hours travelling, that counts as 20 of your 25 hours. If you care for multiple people, the 25-hour limit still applies in total. The income test is the same as the Age Pension: $218 per fortnight free area for singles, $380 for couples, with a 50-cent taper above that. Financial assets are subject to deeming. If you exceed the 25-hour work limit, your Carer Payment may be cancelled. However, you can use 'temporary cessation of care' (respite) days for occasional periods where you're not providing care.
Respite and hospitalisation days
Carer Payment includes up to 63 'temporary cessation of care' (respite) days per calendar year. These allow you to take a break from caring — whether that's for a holiday, your own medical appointments, or if the person you care for enters hospital or respite care. You still receive Carer Payment during these days. Additionally, if the care receiver is hospitalised, there are separate hospitalisation days (up to 63 per calendar year) that don't count against your respite days. If you exceed your respite or hospitalisation days, your Carer Payment may be suspended. You're not required to 'use up' respite days for short breaks of less than 24 hours or if another person provides care while you attend work (within the 25-hour limit).
How to apply and calculate your Carer Payment
Apply online through myGov (linked to Centrelink), by calling 132 717, or in person at a Services Australia centre. You'll need: medical reports for the care receiver, a completed ADAT or DCLA (your doctor helps with this), identity documents, and income/asset details. Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks. If you're already receiving another Centrelink payment and begin providing full-time care, you can transfer to Carer Payment. If your claim is rejected, you can request a review — many rejections are overturned when better medical evidence is provided. Use our free Carer Payment calculator to estimate your entitlement based on your income and assets.
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Official resources
General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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