Assessing Carer Payment (CP) (child) when caring for two to four children each with a disability or medical condition (combined care) 009-04050020

Under the combined care provisions, CP (child) provides income support to parents or carers who provide full-time personal care or supervision of 2 to 4 children, each with a disability or medical condition. To qualify for CP (child) (combined care):

• each care receiver must be under the age of 16
• the carer must personally provide constant care to the combined care receivers
• care must be provided in the care receiver’s private home
• the provision of care by the person must severely restrict their capacity to undertake paid employment
• the combined care load of 2 to 4 children will be at least equivalent to 1 child with a ‘severe’ disability or medical condition
• the care provided to the care receivers attains a qualifying rating of ‘intense’ under the Disability Care Load Assessment (child) Determination (DCLAD) (2010)

Once it is established that the children enable their carer to qualify for CP, the claim can be assessed.

In the case where the separated or divorced parents care for up to 4 eligible children, but not necessarily to the same child/ren every day, they may be considered for payment of CP (child) under the exchanged care provisions.

Where the carer is caring for a disabled adult and 1 or 2 children, they may qualify for payment under the multiple care provisions.

Carer Allowance (CA) (auto) is available to all recipients of (CP) (child). If CP (child) cancels, CA (auto) will cancel automatically at the same time as CP (child). In these instances the customer will need to lodge a new claim for CA (child) if the child still requires, and receives, additional daily care and attention due to their disability or medical condition.

There are specific provisions for re-use of previous forms and reports such as the Child Disability Assessment Tool (CDAT) for claims that have an intention to claim before 1 July 2010 that are lodged or appealed on or after 1 July 2010. See Disability Care Load Assessment (child) Determination (DCLAD) (2010).