Am I eligible for Carer Allowance?

With Australia’s ageing population and the increased pressure this has placed on the federal Government homecare and permanent aged care system, many are relying on family and friends for personal care in the home. 

Common examples include an adult child doing daily errands for an elderly parent, and it even extends to a spouse caring for their frail partner in the family home.

Carer Allowance is a hugely underutilised supplementary payment provided by the Australian Government to individuals who provide daily care and attention to someone with a disability, medical condition, or who is frail aged.

To qualify for the Carer Allowance, both the carer and the person receiving care must meet specific conditions:

For the Carer:

• Must provide daily care and attention in either their own home or the care recipient’s home.
• Must have an adjusted taxable income (with their partner, if applicable) of less than $250,000 per year.
• Must meet residency rules (e.g., citizen, permanent visa holder, or protected Special Category visa holder).

For the Person Receiving Care:

• Must require ongoing daily care for at least 12 months, or have a terminal medical condition.
• Must be assessed by a medical professional as needing care.

Payment Amount and Benefits

• The Carer Allowance is currently $159.30 per fortnight (as of 2025). 
• It is not taxable and does not affect other income support payments. For example, you can receive the carer allowance in addition to receiving the Age Pension.
• There is no assets test, only an income test.
• If caring for a child under 16, the carer may also receive a Health Care Card for the child. 
• You are allowed up to 63 days of respite care per year without losing the payment. 

We strongly encourage everyone who provides some level of care to a disabled or frail person to consult their family doctor for a medical appraisal.  If the doctor provides a positive response and is willing to complete the medical assessment, Muirfield can assist with the application and follow up process.