WHAT BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE

Carer payment

Around 300,000 people receive a carer payment that is similar to the amount of other income support payments, such as the age pension and the disability support pension. The carer payment is subject to income and assets tests.

A single carer can be paid up to a maximum of $987.60 a fortnight while a couple can earn $1488.80 or $744.40 each.

You can work or study up to 25 hours a week away from the person you care for and still get the payment. But earning an income could reduce the amount of assistance you receive.

The amount of the payment considers whether you are in a relationship and whether or not you are a homeowner.

Carer allowance

Around 623,000 Australians receive a carer allowance. There’s no assets test for the carer to claim this $136.50 a fortnight if you are providing care for someone who is over 16 but there is an income limit of $250,000 per household.

If you are sharing the care with someone else, you can split the carer payment and receive an amount based on how much care you provide.

If you are giving additional daily care and attention to someone because they have either a disability or severe illness or are old and frail, you qualify.

Respite care

You can use 63 days of respite care each calendar year if you get the carer payment or carer allowance.

State government support

Some states and territories offer extra support for carers, including counselling and respite care.

Personal and carer leave entitlements

Full-time employees receive 10 days each year of paid sick leave and carer’s leave. Part-time workers receive a pro rata 10 days each year.

Unpaid carer’s leave

An employee is entitled to two days of unpaid carer’s leave for each occasion when an immediate family member requires care or support because of a personal illness, injury or unexpected emergency.

Carer Gateway

Phone 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au for this government-run program, which provides emotional, practical and financial support to carers. All unpaid carers, including carers who are not receiving government benefits can use this service.

Emergency respite care is available through Carer Gateway for eligible carers who are ill or injured and can’t look after the person they are caring for.

It offers an online community forum for carers to share advice and ask questions; there are also local peer support groups for carers to meet other carers.

Carer Gateway also offers faceto-face and online counselling and coaching services as well as skills courses, which include understanding of the legal responsibilities of a caring role.

Travel and transport help

The person you care for may qualify for a mobility allowance to help them with travel costs.