Carer Supplement 2026: $600 in July, Carer Allowance $162.60
How much is the Carer Payment?
The Carer Payment pays up to $1,237.70 per fortnight for a single carer, or $933 each for partnered carers, as of 2026. It is income and asset tested. It is taxable only if you or the person you care for has reached Age Pension age; if you are both under Age Pension age it is tax-exempt. You can also receive Carer Allowance of $162.60 a fortnight on top, for up to $1,400.30 combined.
2026 Carer Payment and Allowance rates
Payment rates effective 20 September 2026 and current until the next pension indexation on 20 March 2027. Verified against Services Australia on 22 September 2026. Figures confirmed against the Services Australia Carer Payment “how much you can get” and Carer Allowance “how much you can get” pages.
Carer Payment pays up to $1,237.70 per fortnight (single) or $933 each (partnered) for carers who provide constant care and cannot work full-time. Income and asset tested. Taxable only if you or the care receiver is Age Pension age; tax-exempt if you are both under pension age.
Carer Allowance pays $162.60 per fortnight as a supplement for daily care. Not taxable. No asset test. A family adjusted taxable income test of $250,000 applies.
Can you receive both? Yes. If you qualify separately for each, you can receive both at the same time: up to $1,400.30 per fortnight combined.
Want your exact figure? The maximums above reduce as your income and assets rise. Use our free Carer Payment Calculator to estimate your actual fortnightly entitlement based on your income, assets, and relationship status.
When does Carer Payment start? From the date Services Australia receives a complete application. Processing typically takes several weeks. Apply as soon as you become a full-time carer to avoid losing backdated entitlements.
Carer Supplement 2026
The Carer Supplement is a separate annual payment of up to $600 for each eligible payment you get. It is paid automatically each July, with no separate claim needed, to people who get Carer Payment and/or Carer Allowance for a period that includes 1 July. It does not count as taxable income.
If you get both Carer Payment and Carer Allowance, you receive two Carer Supplements (one for each), so up to $1,200 in total. The payment lands straight in your bank account: 2026 payments ran 3 July to 1 August. For current dates and amounts, check the Services Australia Carer Supplement page.
People search for this in a lot of ways: the carer bonus, the carers one-off payment, or the carer allowance supplement. They all point to the same annual Carer Supplement, and in 2026 it is paid in July, automatically, with no claim needed.
I’m Gemma. Before I joined Carevo I spent years on the floor as a support worker, and now I spend most days on the phone with families trying to work out what they’re actually entitled to. The Centrelink piece is where almost everyone gets stuck. Half the carers I speak to don’t realise they can claim the Payment and the Allowance at the same time, and the other half have given up halfway through the form because the language is brutal.
This guide covers both payments in plain English: what they pay, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Payment Comparison Table
| Payment Type | Maximum Rate (Single) | Taxable? | Income Test | Asset Test | Care Level Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carer Payment | $1,237.70/fortnight | Only if you or the care receiver is Age Pension age | Strict means test | Yes | Constant care (unable to work) |
| Carer Allowance | $162.60/fortnight | No | $250,000 family adjusted taxable income | No | Daily care and attention |
Both payments together: $1,400.30 per fortnight maximum (subject to income/asset tests).
Carer Payment vs. Carer Allowance: What’s the Difference?
The most common point of confusion is understanding that the Carer Payment and Carer Allowance are two completely separate payments, and you may even be eligible for both.
Think of it this way:
- Carer Payment is an income support payment, like a pension. It’s for people who are unable to work a full-time job because of their demanding caring responsibilities.
- Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment. It’s an extra boost to help with the costs of care, and it’s not considered income for tax purposes.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Feature | Carer Payment | Carer Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | An income support payment to live on. | A supplement to help with the costs of care. |
| Maximum Rate (Single) | $1,237.70 per fortnight | $162.60 per fortnight |
| Maximum Rate (Partnered) | $933 per fortnight (each) | $162.60 per fortnight |
| Who is it for? | People who provide constant care and cannot work full-time. | People who provide additional daily care and attention. |
| Financial Test | Subject to an income test and an assets test (a means test). | No assets test. A family adjusted taxable income test of $250,000 applies, flat and unindexed since 20 September 2018. |
| Taxable? | Only if you or the care receiver has reached Age Pension age; otherwise tax-exempt. | No, it is not taxable income. |
| Requirement | You provide “constant care” to someone with significant needs. | You provide “daily care” to someone with a disability or medical condition. If you live with the person there is no minimum number of hours. If you do not, at least 20 hours a week with some care every day. |
| Can work? | Up to 100 hours of paid work over a 4-week settlement period. Study, training, volunteering and travel are not counted. | No work restrictions |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Carer Support
The Centrelink process can feel like a maze. Follow these steps to make it as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Online
Before you start any forms, use the official online tools. This can save you hours of work. Services Australia has checkers that let you see if you meet the basic criteria.
- Official Link: Check eligibility on the Services Australia website.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents (Including the Medical Report)
This is the most important step. Being prepared will prevent major delays. You will need:
- Proof of Identity (e.g., Driver’s Licence, Passport, Birth Certificate)
- Your Tax File Number
- Income and Assets Information: For you and your partner, if you have one.
- Medical Report: This is vital. A form will need to be filled out by the doctor of the person you are caring for, detailing their condition and care needs. Do not submit your claim without this.
Step 3: Set up myGov and Link to Centrelink
If you haven’t already, you must create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink. All claims are now processed online through this portal.
Step 4: Submit Your Claim Online
Log in to your myGov account, go to Centrelink, and find the “Make a Claim” option. Follow the prompts carefully. The system will guide you through claiming both the Carer Payment and Carer Allowance.
Step 5: What to Expect After You Apply
Unfortunately, this is often a waiting game. Processing times can vary from a few weeks to a few months. You can track the status of your claim in your myGov account. Centrelink will contact you if they need more information.
Demystifying the Payments: How Much Can You Actually Get?
This is the big question. The answer is not a single number, as it depends entirely on your personal financial situation. Do not trust websites that give you one fixed number. It will likely be wrong. Here’s how it actually works.
The Carer Payment: Income and Asset Tests
Because this is an income support payment, it’s subject to a strict means test. Centrelink looks at two things:
- Your Income: How much you and your partner earn from all sources.
- Your Assets: The value of what you and your partner own, excluding your primary home.
The payment is on a sliding scale. The more you earn or own, the lower your payment will be, until it cuts off completely.
To find the exact, up-to-the-minute rates and thresholds, you must use the official government source.
Official Link: Services Australia Carer Payment Rates
The Carer Allowance: The Income Limit
This payment is simpler. It is not asset-tested, but it does have an income test. The family adjusted taxable income limit is $250,000 a year, counting you and your partner. That figure has applied since 20 September 2018 and is flat and unindexed, so it does not move with the March and September rate changes. Services Australia assesses your actual adjusted taxable income against it.
- Official Link: Services Australia Carer Allowance Income Rules
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions carers ask me most often on the phone.
Can I receive both the Carer Payment and Carer Allowance at the same time?
Yes, absolutely. If you meet the eligibility criteria for both (meaning you provide constant care and are under the income/asset tests for the Payment, and you meet the income test for the Allowance), you can receive both.
How will these payments affect my pension or other benefits?
The Carer Payment is an income support payment, so you cannot receive it at the same time as another income support payment like the Age Pension or Disability Support Pension. You would need to choose which payment is best for you. The Carer Allowance is a supplement and generally does not affect other benefits.
What happens if the person I care for passes away?
This is a difficult but important question. Centrelink provides a bereavement payment to help you transition. You will generally continue to receive your Carer Payment for up to 14 weeks after the person you’re caring for passes away.
What if I care for more than one person?
You can only receive one Carer Payment, regardless of how many people you care for. However, you can receive a Carer Allowance for each eligible person you provide care for.
How long does the application process take?
This is one of the biggest frustrations. While some claims are processed in weeks, it’s realistic to expect it could take a couple of months. This is why having all your documents ready from the start is so important.
Can I work while receiving Carer Payment?
Yes, within limits, and the rule changed on 20 March 2025. The old 25 hours a week test was repealed. You can now do up to 100 hours of paid work or self-employment over a 4-week settlement period and keep Carer Payment. Study, training, volunteering and travel time are not counted at all, so travelling to and from a job does not eat into the limit. You can also use up to 63 respite days a calendar year without losing the payment. Income above the pension income-free area still reduces your payment by 50 cents for each dollar over. Services Australia sets out the current rules on its working while you get Carer Payment page.
What if I’m caring for someone in residential care?
Generally, you cannot receive Carer Payment if the person you care for is in permanent residential aged care. However, temporary respite care does not affect eligibility. Carer Allowance may still be available depending on the care situation.
What is the Carer Supplement in 2026?
The Carer Supplement is a separate annual payment of up to $600 for each eligible payment you receive. It is paid automatically each July, with no separate claim needed, if you get Carer Payment and/or Carer Allowance for a period that includes 1 July. It is not taxable. See the Services Australia Carer Supplement page for current details.
When is the carers bonus paid in 2026?
The payment carers often call the “carer bonus” is the annual Carer Supplement. In 2026 it is paid automatically in July to anyone who received Carer Payment or Carer Allowance for a period that includes 1 July. It is up to $600 for each eligible payment, so up to $1,200 if you get both, and no separate claim is needed.
Is there a one-off carer payment in 2026?
The main one-off payment for carers is the annual Carer Supplement, up to $600 per eligible payment, paid each July. Separate one-off cost-of-living or economic support payments are sometimes announced in the federal budget, but they are not guaranteed each year. Check the Services Australia Carer Supplement page for current amounts and dates.
Where can I get help with my application?
Contact Services Australia on 132 717 for assistance. Carers associations in each state also offer free support with applications. Financial counsellors can help if you’re experiencing financial hardship while waiting for approval.
Connect With Respite and Support Services
Caring for someone full-time is exhausting. Respite care gives you the break you need while ensuring your loved one receives quality support.
Carevo connects carers with local respite providers, support coordination services, and carer support programs across Australia. Browse providers offering respite and carer support in your area.
Get matched with respite and support providers or call 1800 953 253 to connect with support services in your area.
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Customer Lead · Updated
Gemma is Carevo's Customer Lead. She spent several years working as a support worker before moving into concierge and partnerships roles, so she writes from the frontline of care.
