Carer Allowance in Australia is one of the most important financial supports available to people who provide unpaid daily care. Whether you’re looking after a child with a disability, an elderly parent, or a partner with a medical condition, this payment helps cover the extra costs involved. With recent increases to the Carer Allowance in August 2025, it’s a great time to make sure you’re getting what you’re entitled to and know how the system works.
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Update
If you’ve been receiving Carer Allowance, you may have noticed a small bump in your payment. As of August 1, 2025, the fortnightly payment has increased from around $153.50 to $159.30. While it may not seem like much, every little bit helps when you’re juggling medical expenses, equipment, transport, and the general costs of daily life.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Type | Carer Allowance |
| Old Rate | $153.50 per fortnight |
| New Rate (from Aug 2025) | $159.30 per fortnight |
| Payment Frequency | Fortnightly |
| Income Test | Not applicable (not means-tested) |
| Eligibility | Unpaid carers of disabled, ill, or frail aged people |
Purpose
Carer Allowance is not a full wage replacement. Instead, it’s a supplementary payment to help manage the additional costs that come with caregiving. It doesn’t matter if you work or receive other income—you can still qualify if you’re providing substantial daily care.
Australia has over 2.7 million unpaid carers, and this allowance is one way the government acknowledges their contribution.
Eligibility
Not everyone who provides care is eligible. To qualify, you need to meet the following conditions:
- You must care for someone with a serious disability, illness, or who is frail aged.
- Care must be provided for at least 12 months (or expected to last that long).
- Both you and the person you care for must be Australian residents.
- You don’t necessarily have to live with the person, but you need to meet minimum care hour requirements.
The care must be daily and significant. Occasional help or support does not meet the threshold.
Calculation
Carer Allowance is paid at a fixed rate and does not change based on how much you earn or what you own. This makes budgeting easier, especially if you have other part-time income or are juggling multiple responsibilities.
For example:
- Before August 1, 2025: $153.50 per fortnight
- After August 1, 2025: $159.30 per fortnight
This new amount reflects inflation and broader welfare adjustments across Centrelink payments.
Changes
Here are the key changes introduced in 2025:
- All Centrelink payments indexed to reflect cost-of-living increases
- Carer Allowance increased by $5.80 per fortnight
- Other policy updates include measures around wage theft and improved worker protections
If you’re already receiving the Carer Allowance, this change should have happened automatically. If you think your payment is wrong, it’s time to log in and check.
Check
Want to make sure you’re receiving the correct amount? Follow these steps:
- Log into your myGov account
- Access your Centrelink section
- Check under Income Support > Carer Allowance
- Confirm your payment shows $159.30 per fortnight
If the amount is less than expected, you may need to update your details or contact Centrelink.
Optimize
Here’s how to stay on top of your entitlements and make the most of your support:
- Report any changes to your caring situation quickly
- Keep care logs and supporting documents on file
- Use Carer Gateway for counselling, community support, and financial advice
- Apply for Carer Supplement ($600 annually if eligible)
- Check for Child Disability Assistance Payment if caring for a child
Don’t forget respite services. Taking a break doesn’t reduce your Carer Allowance and can make a big difference for your wellbeing.
Scenarios
Let’s bring it to life with some simple examples:
Lisa, a single mother caring for her disabled child, qualifies for the full $159.30 every fortnight. She also gets the annual $600 supplement and a child disability payment.
John and Sarah split care for their elderly dad. Depending on their individual hours, they can either share the payment or one may get the full allowance.
Emma was unaware of the increase. After logging into myGov, she updates her information and notices her payments reflect the updated rate.
These examples show that staying informed can directly impact what you receive.
FAQs
How much is Carer Allowance in 2025?
$159.30 per fortnight from August 1, 2025.
Do I need to report income for Carer Allowance?
No, it’s not means-tested so income doesn’t affect it.
Can I get Carer Allowance and work?
Yes, you can work part-time or full-time and still qualify.
Where do I check my Carer Allowance?
Log in to myGov and go to your Centrelink payment details.
What if I share care duties with someone?
You may split the allowance or one person may receive full.
