Carer Payment and Carer Allowance compared

Q: Where can I find the official rules for carer payment and carer allowance compared?

The official source is Services Australia. All information on this page is checked against that source and dated October 2026.

Q: Is this guide up to date?

This guide was last checked in October 2026. Centrelink rates and rules change — always verify against the official source before making decisions.

Carer Payment

Carer Payment is a main income support payment for people who provide constant care for someone with a severe disability or serious illness and cannot work full time as a result.

Rate (from 20 September 2026): up to $1,237.70/fn (single) — same as the Age Pension. Income and assets tested. Source: Services Australia.

Carer Allowance

Carer Allowance is a supplement paid to people who provide daily care and attention at home for an adult or child with a disability or serious illness. Unlike Carer Payment, it is not an income support payment — you can receive it even if you are working.

Rate: $153.50/fn (not means tested, but an annual adjusted taxable income limit of $250,000 applies). Source: Services Australia.

Can I get both?

Yes — if you qualify for both, you can receive Carer Payment and Carer Allowance at the same time. Many carers do.

The care receiver

To qualify, the person you care for must be assessed as needing a certain level of care. Services Australia will ask you to complete a Care Needs Assessment (form SA394 or SA408).

Questions about this guide

Where can I find the official rules for carer payment and carer allowance compared?

The official source for this guide is Services Australia. All information on this page is checked against that source and dated October 2026.

Is this guide up to date?

This guide was last checked in October 2026. Centrelink rates and rules change — always verify against the official source before making decisions.

Can I use this guide to make a claim?

This guide will help you understand your entitlements and prepare your claim, but you must submit the actual claim through myGov or at a Centrelink service centre. We never ask for or store any personal information.