Carer Allowance
Carer Allowance is an income supplement available to people who provide daily care and attention at home to a person with disability or a severe medical condition. Carer Allowance is not taxable or income and assets tested. It can be paid in addition to a social security income support payment.
To be eligible for Carer Allowance, a person must be providing daily care and attention to a person with disability or a severe medical condition who is either:
- aged 16 years or over and whose disability or severe medical condition is permanent or for an extended period (as assessed under the Adult Disability Assessment Tool), or
- a dependent child aged under 16 years:
- whose disability appears on the Lists of Recognised Disabilities, or
- whose conditions result in automatic qualification, or
- who has a substantial functional impairment that has caused the child to function below the standard for his or her age level (as assessed under the Child Disability Assessment Tool).
The person(s) being cared for must be likely to suffer from the disability permanently or for an extended period of at least 12 months (unless their condition is terminal) as assessed by a medical practitioner or other approved person as meeting the medical eligibility criteria.
To find out more about Carer Allowance and your eligibility for this payment:
- visit your local Centrelink office
- telephone 132 717, or
- visit the Centrelink website: