$153.50 Fortnightly Payments for Young Aussies: In 2025, young Australians who provide care for someone with a disability, medical condition, or who is elderly and frail may be eligible to receive $153.50 in fortnightly payments through the Australian Government’s Carer Allowance. This tax-free income support can be a crucial financial aid for those balancing caregiving responsibilities with education, training, or part-time work.
Whether you’re a young carer helping a family member at home or a full-time student managing additional responsibilities, understanding how the Carer Allowance works could make a significant difference in your daily life and financial planning.
$153.50 Fortnightly Payments for Young Aussies
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Name | Carer Allowance |
| Amount | $153.50 per fortnight (non-taxable) |
| Eligibility | Must provide daily care to someone with a permanent or long-term condition |
| Age Group | No strict age limit, but many recipients are under 25 |
| Income Test | Not income-tested |
| Application Platform | Services Australia |
| Other Assistance | Youth Allowance, Austudy, Carer Payment |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit to nominated bank account |
The $153.50 fortnightly Carer Allowance in 2025 represents more than just financial help—it’s official recognition for the important and often underappreciated role that young carers play in their families and communities. Whether you’re a high school student, university enrollee, or part-time worker, this support can ease the burden and improve your quality of life.
If you or someone you know may qualify, take the time to explore eligibility and submit a claim via Services Australia. It could make a meaningful difference.
What Is the Carer Allowance?
The Carer Allowance is a fortnightly government payment provided to people who offer daily care and assistance to someone with a disability, serious illness, or age-related frailty. Unlike the Carer Payment (which is income-tested and for those who cannot work full-time), the Carer Allowance is meant to supplement the income of people who are still able to work, study, or participate in community activities.
Why It Matters for Young Australians
Many young Aussies care for their siblings, parents, or grandparents—often without being officially recognized as carers. The Carer Allowance is designed to offer these individuals financial recognition and support, easing some of the economic pressure.
Who Is Eligible for the Carer Allowance in 2025?
To receive the $153.50 fortnightly Carer Allowance, you must:
- Be providing daily care for someone with a permanent medical condition or disability (including mental health conditions).
- Provide care in a private home (not a hospital or residential care facility).
- Be an Australian resident living in Australia.
- The person you’re caring for must meet the disability or medical condition criteria as assessed by Services Australia.
Importantly, there is no income or assets test for the Carer Allowance. You can be working, studying, or even receiving other benefits and still qualify.
For full criteria, visit the Services Australia Carer Allowance page.
Apply for Carer Allowance: $153.50 Fortnightly Payments for Young Aussies Guide
- Create a myGov Account: If you don’t already have one, register for a myGov account and link it to Centrelink.
- Gather Medical Information: You’ll need a medical report from a treating doctor confirming the condition of the person you care for. This form is called the Carer Allowance Medical Report – Health Professional.
- Submit Your Claim Online: Through your myGov account,
- Select Centrelink > Payments and Claims > Make a claim
- Choose “Carers” and follow the prompts
- Wait for Assessment: Once submitted, Centrelink will assess your claim and may request additional documentation or clarification.
- Receive Your Payment: If approved, your $153.50 payment will be deposited every two weeks into your nominated bank account. Payments may be backdated to the date you first contacted Centrelink.
How Is the Carer Allowance Different from Other Payments?
Carer Payment vs Carer Allowance
| Feature | Carer Payment | Carer Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tested | Yes | No |
| Fortnightly Amount | Up to $1,064.00 (approx) | $153.50 |
| Full-Time Carer | Required | Not necessarily |
| Taxable? | Yes | No |
You can receive both the Carer Payment and Carer Allowance if you meet the criteria for each.
Youth Allowance and Austudy
If you’re a student or apprentice, you may also qualify for Youth Allowance (under 25) or Austudy (25 and older). These payments are means-tested, unlike the Carer Allowance, and designed to help support your education journey.
Find more details on Youth Allowance and Austudy.
Real-Life Example: Who Could Qualify?
Liam, a 20-year-old university student, lives at home and helps care for his younger brother, who has autism and requires constant supervision. Liam studies part-time and works weekends. His brother qualifies under the Carer Allowance medical criteria. Liam applies through Centrelink, gets approval, and now receives $153.50 every two weeks—money that helps cover transportation and daily living costs.
Emma, a 17-year-old caring for her grandmother with dementia, also qualifies. Though still in high school, Emma helps with meals, medications, and day-to-day support. With her application approved, the payment offers much-needed financial help to her family.
Extra Benefits and Concessions for Carer Allowance Recipients
Receiving the Carer Allowance may also entitle you to:
- Carer Supplement: An annual lump sum of $600 (paid each July)
- Health Care Card: Providing discounts on prescriptions and medical services
- Concessions: Reduced public transport fares, utility discounts, and education subsidies (varies by state/territory)
Managing the Payment: Reporting and Obligations
While the Carer Allowance isn’t income-tested, you still have responsibilities:
- Report Changes: Update Centrelink if your care responsibilities change (e.g., hospitalization, change of residence)
- Annual Reviews: You may be asked to provide updated documentation
- Keep Medical Info Current: Regular reassessment may be required if the condition is not classified as permanent
Failure to comply with reporting obligations can lead to overpayments or even suspension of your allowance.
FAQs On $153.50 Fortnightly Payments for Young Aussies
Q1: Is there a minimum number of hours I must provide care?
There’s no fixed hour requirement, but you must provide daily, ongoing care in a private residence. Centrelink considers the intensity and regularity of care.
Q2: Can I get Carer Allowance if I’m also studying or working?
Yes. As long as you meet the care criteria, your work or study schedule doesn’t disqualify you.
Q3: Is Carer Allowance backdated?
Yes. In many cases, payments can be backdated up to 12 weeks from when you first contacted Centrelink to express intent to claim.
Q4: Can multiple people get Carer Allowance for the same person?
Usually, only one carer can receive the payment per care receiver, unless approved for shared care arrangements.
Q5: Do I have to pay tax on the Carer Allowance?
No. The $153.50 Carer Allowance is non-taxable.
