Payments and support for carers 009-25032559

Carers do not need to have an extensive knowledge of the agency’s products and services in order to receive a service offer that best meets their needs. It is sufficient for carers to explain their circumstances to departmental staff who will provide them with a 'service offer' appropriate to their and their care receiver's situation.

The initial contact can be made either online, by phone or in person. Carers wanting to claim Carer Payment and/or Carer Allowance should be encouraged to claim online. If they decline the online claim, Assisted Customer Claim (ACC) can be run.

From 1 July 2018, claims will be granted to eligible carers from the date they submit a complete claim with all relevant supporting documentation. Customers who are experiencing a vulnerable circumstance may be able to have the start date of their claim backdated.

Carers may need assistance in completing their new claim online or completing forms at the review stage. Carers may also contact in relation to forms that may need to be completed by a third party such as a Treating Health Professional (THP).

CP is an income support payment paid to carers who, because of the demands of their caring role, are unable to support themselves through substantial paid employment.

It is a fortnightly payment that includes entitlement to a Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) or Health Care Card (HCC). To be eligible for CP a carer must be providing constant care for an adult or child and meet the pension income and assets tests.

CA is an income supplement for people who provide additional daily care and attention for an adult or child with a disability or medical condition, or an adult who is frail aged. CA is not taxable or assets tested.

To be eligible for CA, the carer must meet the CA income test.

CA can be paid in addition to wages or another income support payment. CA recognises the impact of a person's disability on the carer.

CS is an annual payment to carers who receive an instalment of a qualifying payment for a period including 1 July.

For more information, see Carer Supplement (CS).

CDAP is an annual payment to carers who receive an instalment of CA (child) for a period including 1 July. For more information, see Annual Child Disability Assistance Payment (CDAP).

CAP is a one-off non-taxable payment for families where, following the diagnosis of a serious or severe illness of a child under 7 years of age, there is a period of significant adjustment as a result of the care needs of that child. It is to assist families with additional costs during the adjustment period immediately after the diagnosis. Qualification is determined by the Department of Social Services. For more information, see Carer Adjustment Payment (CAP) for carers of young children.

Carers can study, work, or take a break from caring without losing eligibility for payment. Time limits and conditions apply. For more information, see Change of circumstances or absences for carer and/or care receiver.

The Australian Government provides early intervention funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) supports children under the age of 7 who have a development delay or disability, and their families/carers. For more information, see Early intervention services for children with disabilities.