Restoration of Carer Payment (CP) 009-04150040

Payments can be restored when the carer's qualification for CP has been re-established.

If there has been a change in circumstances, the carer's record must be updated with the relevant information before restoring payments. This will avoid incorrect arrears.

CP (XWP) may be restored if payment level CA entitlement is restored without a gap and within 13 weeks of the date of effect of suspension or cancellation, or a change to CA HCC only. See Transfer from Wife Pension (WP) to Carer Payment (CP).

If CP has been cancelled for more than 13 weeks the carer must re-claim. See Claiming Carer Payment (CP) and/or Carer Allowance (CA).

Carers receiving CP may enter an extended suspension period for up to 6 months (26 weeks) if they:

• undertake paid work or self-employment that exceeds the allowable work limit of 100 hours in a 4-week period, and
• do not have sufficient TCC (respite) days to offset the excess hours or choose not to use respite

If the carer becomes payable again within the 6-month suspension period, they can request to have their payment restored instead of completing a new claim.

If the carer requests a restoration but is no longer providing constant care to the care receiver, the change of circumstances should be recorded, and CP cancelled.

If the carer requests a restoration but is not payable for any other reason/s (for example, income and/or assets over the limit), they can remain suspended for the remainder of the 6-month period before cancelling.

Carers receiving CP may enter an extended employment suspension period for up to 2 years if their partner receiving Disability Support Pension (DSP), Age Pension or an eligible DVA payment (DVA Age Pension, Invalidity Service Pension, Income Support Supplement and Veteran Payment) enters an extended employment suspension period.

Carers in an extended employment suspension period will have a benefit status of CAR SUS-EPP.

If the carer becomes payable again within the 2-year suspension period, they can request to have their payment restored instead of completing a new claim.

If the carer requests a restoration but is no longer providing constant care to the care receiver, the change on circumstances should be recorded and CP cancelled.

If the carer requests a restoration but is not payable for any other reason/s (for example, income and/or assets over the limit), they can remain suspended for the remainder of the 2-year period.