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Carer Payment at Age 55

If you are 55 years old and providing constant care to someone with a severe disability or medical condition, you may be eligible for Carer Payment. This page explains how Carer Payment applies at your age, including interactions with other payments and the transition to Age Pension.

Last verified: 20 March 2026

Carer Payment Rates at Age 55 (2025-26)

PaymentSingle rate/fnCouple rate/fn (each)
Carer Payment$1,116.30$841.40
Carer Allowance (on top)$153.00$153.00
Total$1,269.30$994.40

Carer Allowance is not income or asset tested. Rates current from 20 March 2026.

Carer Payment at Age 55

  • *At age 55, you are eligible for Carer Payment if you meet the constant care test and income/asset tests.
  • *Carer Payment is an income support payment — you generally cannot receive it alongside another income support payment (e.g., JobSeeker, Age Pension).
  • *At 55, you may be transitioning from other payments to Carer Payment, or you may have been caring for many years. Consider the impact on your superannuation — carers often have lower super balances due to reduced workforce participation.
  • *At 55, you are approaching Age Pension age (67). When you turn 67, you will transition from Carer Payment to Age Pension (same rate). If you continue caring after 67, you can still receive Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn) on top of Age Pension.

Work & Study Limits

At 55, you can work up to 25 hours per week (including travel time) while receiving Carer Payment, as long as you continue to provide constant care. Your employment income is assessed under the income test — you can earn up to $204/fn before your payment is reduced. You can also undertake study or training, but it must not prevent you from providing constant care. There is no strict study hours limit, but your total combined work, study, and care commitments must still allow you to provide constant care.

Income Test

Singles can earn up to $204 per fortnight before Carer Payment is reduced. Above that, your payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar earned. Couples have a combined income free area of $360 per fortnight. Carer Allowance is NOT affected by income.

Assets Test

Single homeowners can have up to $314,000 in assets. Single non-homeowners: $566,000. Couple homeowners: $470,000 combined. Couple non-homeowners: $722,000 combined. Above these limits, Carer Payment reduces by $3 per fortnight for every $1,000 of excess assets.

Transition to Age Pension at 67

When you turn 67, you will transition from Carer Payment to Age Pension. The payment rate is the same ($1,116.30/fn single). You can continue to receive Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn) on top of Age Pension if you continue caring. The transfer is usually straightforward — Centrelink will contact you as you approach 67.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Carer Payment at age 55?
Yes. Carer Payment is available to carers aged 16 and over (or 18+ in most practical cases). At 55, you need to provide constant care to someone with a severe disability or medical condition, and meet income and asset tests. The single rate is $1,116.30 per fortnight.
Can I work at 55 while on Carer Payment?
Yes. You can work up to 25 hours per week (including travel time) and still receive Carer Payment, as long as you continue providing constant care. Your employment income is assessed under the income test — you can earn up to $204/fn before your payment is reduced (50c per dollar above).
Can I study at 55 while on Carer Payment?
Yes. You can undertake study or training while on Carer Payment. There is no strict hours limit for study, but it must not prevent you from providing constant care. If Centrelink considers your study commitments too high, they may question your constant care eligibility.
What happens to Carer Payment when I turn 67?
When you turn 67, you transition from Carer Payment to Age Pension. The payment rate is the same ($1,116.30/fn single). You can still receive Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn) on top of Age Pension if you continue caring. The transfer is usually straightforward — Centrelink will contact you as you approach 67.
How does Carer Payment affect my super at 55?
Carer Payment itself does not include employer super contributions, which means your super balance may grow more slowly while you are caring. Consider making voluntary super contributions when possible. If you work up to 25 hours per week, your employer will pay super on those wages.

Related tools & calculators

Benefits CheckCarer Payment CalculatorDSP CalculatorIncome & Asset TestAssets Test ThresholdsPayment Rates 2025-26Deeming RatesRent Assistance

This tool provides general information and estimates only based on publicly available data from Services Australia and the Department of Social Services. It does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Results may not reflect your specific circumstances. Always verify with Services Australia before making decisions about your entitlements.

Sources: Services Australia, Department of Social Services. Rates current from 20 March 2026.