On Thursday 4 July 2024, the Australian Government passed legislation to make changes to Carer Payment. These changes will come into effect on 20 March 2025. They aim to reduce barriers to employment for carers receiving Carer Payment and support them to re-enter the paid workforce.
The changes apply to the participation rules known informally as the ‘25-hour rule’ and temporary cessation of care (TCC) days.
Currently carers receiving Carer Payment are limited to 25 hours of participation per week. This includes work, education or volunteer activities and travel to and from these activities.
From 20 March 2025:
- Carer Payment recipients will be able to work up to 100 hours over a 4-week period.
- Travel time, education and volunteering activities will no longer count as part of your 100 hours.
- Carer Payment will be suspended for up to 6 months when a carer does more than 100 hours of work in 4 weeks or earns more than the income test.
Carers NSW has developed a fact sheet summarising the changes to Carer Payment and what they mean practically for carers who currently work, study or volunteer.
Find out more about the changes to Carer Payment via Services Australia website here.
