Australia has two primary government payments for unpaid carers — Carer Payment and Carer Allowance. From March 2026 Carer Payment pays up to $1,200.90 per fortnight for a single carer. Carer Allowance pays $162.60 per fortnight and is available to many carers regardless of income. Most eligible Australian carers receive neither payment. This guide explains both programs, who qualifies, and how to apply through myGov. Carer Payment — up to $1,200.90 per fortnight Carer Payment is an income and asset-tested fortnightly payment for carers who are unable to work full time because of their caring responsibilities. Who qualifies:
You provide constant care for a person with a severe disability, medical condition, or who is frail aged The care you provide is at least equivalent to a substantial level of care — assessed through the Adult Disability Assessment Tool or the Child Disability Assessment Tool You meet the income and assets test — single carers with income under approximately $2,332.50 per fortnight may qualify You are an Australian resident
What it pays from March 2026:
Single carer: $1,200.90 per fortnight Couple each: $905.80 per fortnight
What it includes: Carer Payment recipients also receive a Pensioner Concession Card which provides discounts on prescription medications through the PBS, bulk-billed medical services, and reduced rates on utilities and public transport in many states. Carer Allowance — $162.60 per fortnight Carer Allowance is a supplementary fortnightly payment for carers who provide daily care and attention. Unlike Carer Payment, Carer Allowance is not means tested below $250,000 in combined annual family income — meaning most working carers can receive it. Who qualifies:
You provide daily care and attention at home for a person with a disability, medical condition, or who is frail aged The person you care for is assessed as requiring daily care through the relevant assessment tool Your combined family income is under $250,000 per year
What it pays: $162.60 per fortnight — paid every two weeks into your bank account. Child Disability Assistance Payment: If you receive Carer Allowance for a child with disability, you also receive an annual Child Disability Assistance Payment each July. This is paid automatically — you do not need to apply separately. Carer Support Grant — annual lump sum Carer Payment and Carer Allowance recipients receive a Carer Support Grant — an annual lump sum payment — each July. This payment is to help with the costs of caring and can be used for anything. It is paid automatically to eligible carers. How to apply — step by step Step 1 — Create a myGov account at my.gov.au if you do not have one and link it to Centrelink. Step 2 — Gather these documents before starting: your Tax File Number, bank account details, details of the person you care for including their diagnosis and treating doctor, your income details and your partner's income if applicable. Step 3 — Log into myGov and select Centrelink. Go to Make a Claim and select Carer Payment and/or Carer Allowance. Step 4 — Complete the online claim. You will need to provide information about the care you provide and the person's condition. Centrelink may send forms to your doctor or the person's doctor to complete. Step 5 — A Job Capacity Assessment or medical assessment may be required. Centrelink will contact you to arrange this if needed. Step 6 — Processing times are typically four to eight weeks. You can track your claim progress in myGov. Carer Gateway — free services for all carers All Australian carers — regardless of whether they receive Carer Payment or Carer Allowance — can access free services through the Carer Gateway. These include in-home respite, emergency respite available 24 hours on 1800 422 737, carer coaching, and peer support. You do not need to be receiving any government payment to access Carer Gateway services. Register at carergateway.gov.au or call 1800 422 737. Official sources
Carer Payment — servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-payment Carer Allowance — servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-allowance Carer Gateway — carergateway.gov.au myGov — my.gov.au NDIS — ndis.gov.au
This article is for informational purposes only. FeatherKeep does not assess benefit eligibility. Always confirm your specific situation with Services Australia on 132 717.