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Debts for Carer Payment (CP) 107-04020100

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This document outlines the process to investigate and determine whether to raise a debt for Carer Payment.

Carer Payment (CP)

CP is an income support payment for those who provide full-time care. Carers and Care Receivers must meet eligibility criteria, which includes income and asset tests for both parties.

A CP customer can also:

  • be a nominee for the care receiver
  • have enduring power of attorney for the care receiver, and/or
  • conduct business with Services Australia on behalf of the care receiver

Overpayment of CP

An overpayment occurs where a care receivers estimated income is assessed for a period of time, and evidence shows the:

  • income was underestimated, and
  • actual taxable income of the care receiver is over the income limit

Raise these overpayments as a debt under subsection 1223 (1B) and (1C) of the Social Security Act 1991.

CP overpayments relating to the care receiver’s income are not a debt unless there is definite indication the carer is involved in, and knew about the care receiver's financial details. If the customer can show it was not open for them to know about the circumstances leading to the excess payment, there is no debt.

Debts may also occur where the carer or care receiver no longer meets the eligibility criteria for CP

Online Document Recording (ODR)

Creating, reviewing and deleting documents (including Fast Notes and DOA DOCs)

Actioning an undetermined debt on the Debt Management and Information System (DMIS)

Eligibility for Carer Payment (CP)