Carer Payment in Australia: The Carer Payment in Australia has received a major update in 2025, offering greater financial support and increased flexibility for those who provide daily care to someone with a disability, medical condition, or age-related needs. These changes reflect the government’s recognition of the critical role carers play in society and their efforts to help carers balance caregiving with employment and personal growth.
Carer Payment in Australia Just Got a 2025 Update
| Feature | 2025 Update | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Work Hours Allowed | Increased to 100 hours over 4 weeks | Services Australia |
| Single Carer Rate | $1,149.00 per fortnight | Includes pension & energy supplements |
| Couples (each) | $866.10 per fortnight | Base + supplements |
| Carer Allowance | Increased to $159.30 per fortnight | For carers of individuals with disabilities |
| New Supplement | $215 Complex Care Supplement | From April 15, 2025 |
| Suspension Policy | Payment can be suspended (not cancelled) for 6 months | Retain Pensioner Concession Card |
| Eligibility Limit | Income under $140,795, assets under $868,500 | Income and assets tested |
The 2025 updates to Australia’s Carer Payment reflect a significant step forward in valuing the unpaid work of carers. From expanded work limits to higher payments and targeted supplements, these changes empower carers to better support their loved ones while maintaining their own wellbeing and financial independence.
Increased Work Flexibility
Effective from 20 March 2025, carers can now work up to 100 hours of paid employment over any four-week period without affecting their Carer Payment eligibility. This replaces the earlier weekly cap of 25 hours. The update makes it easier for carers to pursue part-time work or freelance opportunities.
Importantly, hours spent on study, volunteering, training, or travel no longer count toward this cap and do not need to be reported. This significantly reduces administrative burden and supports carers seeking to improve skills or education.
Updated Carer Payment Rates
The government has adjusted Carer Payment rates in line with the cost of living:
- Single Carers: Up to $1,149.00 per fortnight
- Base Rate: $1,051.30
- Pension Supplement: $83.60
- Energy Supplement: $14.10
- Couple (each): Up to $866.10 per fortnight
- Base Rate: $792.50
- Pension Supplement: $63.00
- Energy Supplement: $10.60
Additionally, the Carer Allowance now provides $159.30 per fortnight to carers supporting individuals with a disability or severe medical condition.
Complex Care Supplement
Starting 15 April 2025, a new Complex Care Supplement of $215 per fortnight is available. It is specifically for carers providing support to people with advanced dementia, neurological disorders, or other high-care-need conditions.
To qualify, carers will undergo a Carer Impact Assessment, which evaluates the care recipient’s condition and how caregiving affects the carer’s work, health, and lifestyle.
Suspension Instead of Cancellation
Carers who exceed the 100-hour work limit or temporarily go over income thresholds will no longer have their payment cancelled outright. Instead, the payment will be suspended for up to six months, allowing them to return to the system without restarting the full application process.
During this suspension period, carers retain key entitlements like the Pensioner Concession Card.
Eligibility Criteria for 2025
To receive the Carer Payment, you must:
- Be an Australian resident and reside in Australia.
- Provide constant care to someone with a severe disability, illness, or age-related condition.
- Meet the income and assets test:
- Income: Less than $140,795 (before tax) per annum.
- Assets: Below $868,500.
Carer Payment in Australia: How to Apply or Manage Your Carer Payment
You can apply for the Carer Payment via:
- The Services Australia website
- The MyGov portal
If you’re already receiving payments, you don’t need to reapply – updated rates and rules are applied automatically.
For the Complex Care Supplement, current recipients will be assessed automatically. No carer will lose existing entitlements due to the new changes.
Additional Support Programs
Carers may also qualify for additional benefits:
- Rent Assistance: Help with rental payments.
- Energy Bill Concessions: Support to manage rising energy bills.
- Health Care Card: Reduced costs for medicines and services.
- Pensioner Concession Card: Discounts on transport, utilities, and medical services.
These programs are designed to lighten the financial burden and ensure carers can maintain a healthy work-life-care balance.
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FAQs on Carer Payment in Australia
Q1: Can I get Carer Payment and still study part-time?
Yes, study hours are not counted toward your 100-hour work limit.
Q2: Do I have to report volunteer hours?
No. From 2025, volunteer hours are exempt from reporting requirements.
Q3: What happens if I exceed the work hour cap?
Your payment will be suspended (not cancelled) for up to six months.
Q4: How do I know if I qualify for the Complex Care Supplement?
Eligibility is assessed using the Carer Impact Assessment tool automatically.
Q5: Can I still receive other Centrelink payments?
Yes, depending on your income and care situation, you may receive additional assistance such as Carer Allowance, Rent Assistance, etc.
