Most pensions and other social security payments in Australia are administered through Centrelink. Visit the Centrelink website for information on making contact to discuss your individual situation.
You can also call the Carer Line on 1800 242 636 to discuss your eligibility for benefits or for help with making an application.
If you receive a full or part pension you may also get a concession card that gives you discounts and concessions on a range of essential services. Visit the Concessions page to find out more.
The Carer Payment can provide you with income support if you are unable to work because of the demands of your caring role.
To be eligible for the Carer Payment:
Centrelink can be flexible about some of the eligibility rules particularly if the person you care for has high care needs or if you care for more than one person. Contact Centrelink on 132 717 to discuss your individual situation.
The Carer Allowance is a payment that may be available to help you with the costs of caring. It can be paid as a single payment or in addition to the Carer Payment or another pension or benefit.
To be eligible for the Carer Allowance:
Previously, the Carer Allowance was not subject to an income or assets test. As of 20 September 2018, the Carer Allowance and any attached Carer Supplements will be income tested. Carers with a household income of a quarter of a million dollars per year or more will no longer be eligible to receive the Carer Allowance and any attached Carer Supplements. This income test also applies to Carer Allowance Health Care Cards.
Working or studying will not normally affect your eligibility, unless you exceed the income limit.
If you receive a Carer Allowance, Carer Payment, or Department of Veterans' Affairs Carer Service Pension you will also receive a lump sum payment each year to help cover the cost of care. A separate carer supplement is paid for each person you care for.
The payment is made automatically in July of each year and you do not need to make a separate claim.
If you receive the Carer Allowance (Child) you will also receive a lump sum payment each year to help with the costs of caring for a child with a disability. The payment is made automatically in July of each year and you do not need to make a separate claim.
You or the person you care for may be eligible for other types of income support or allowances if you:
To find out more about any of these payments or to discuss which pension will best meet your needs, visit the Centrelink website or contact Centrelink directly on 132 717.
If you are a veteran or the widow or widower of a veteran, you may also be eligible for income support from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website to find out more.
Carers NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, Elders past and present and all Aboriginal people.