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Changes to shared care for Carer Allowance (CA) 009-03050040

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This document outlines information to assist in the actioning of changes to shared care for Carer Allowance (CA). It does not include information about the effect of the change of care on Family Tax Benefit (FTB), if it is received by the carer for the care receiver(s).

Carer Allowance changes to shared care

When a carer contacts to advise of a change to the shared care arrangements for Carer Allowance (CA), the Service Officer needs to ensure the relevant information is gathered and verified, that the carers continue to satisfy the qualifications for shared care and that the records are updated to reflect the new circumstances. If the shared care has changed a new declaration is to be made and implemented from the date the declaration was made.

If 2 carers who receive a shared care rate of CA for the same care receiver advise that they have become partnered, CA can no longer be paid to both partners. It must be determined who is the primary carer. When CA is cancelled for one carer, the primary carer will automatically receive 100% of the payment. Letters will be sent to both carers to advise who the primary carer is and whose payment is to be cancelled. If the carer is unable to identify who is now the primary carer, CA is to be suspended for both carers.

Note: while shared care provisions do not apply to Carer Payment (CP), the shared care arrangement must be considered when determining eligibility or continuing eligibility for CP. See Eligibility for Carer Payment (CP) when a care receiver is aged 16 years or over and Assessing Carer Payment (CP) when the care is shared.

If the carer is also in receipt of FTB for the care receiver, the qualification for FTB must also be assessed.

Dispute between carers

If there is a dispute between two carers over the care being provided see Change of care for Carer Payment (CP) and Carer Allowance (CA) customers

Coding a claim for Carer Allowance (CA) where the care receiver is 16 or over

Eligibility for Carer Allowance (CA) for 2 carers in respect of the same care receiver

Shared care for Carer Allowance (CA)