Carer Payment for Friends — Who Can Be a Carer?
You do not need to be related to someone to receive Carer Payment. If you provide constant care to a friend or non-relative with a severe disability or medical condition, you can qualify. The key requirement is that you live with the person and provide genuine constant care — the relationship type does not determine eligibility.
Last verified: 20 March 2026Eligibility
- *Carer Payment is available regardless of your relationship to the care receiver — friends and non-relatives qualify
- *You must provide constant care in the care receiver's home (you must live together)
- *The care receiver must score highly on the Adult Disability Assessment Tool (ADAT)
- *Centrelink may scrutinise non-family care arrangements more closely to ensure genuineness
- *You must not be receiving payment from the care receiver for providing care (this would be employment, not caring)
- *Written evidence from the care receiver's treating doctor confirming the need for constant care is essential
Carer Payment Rates (2025-26)
| Payment | Single rate/fn | Couple 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.
Live-In Requirements
You must live with the person you are caring for. For non-family carers, this is particularly important — Centrelink may investigate the living arrangement to confirm it is genuine. Evidence of shared accommodation (lease agreement, utility bills) helps establish the arrangement. If you live separately and visit daily, Carer Allowance may be more appropriate.
Two-Carer Scenarios
If the care receiver has both family and non-family carers, Centrelink will assess who provides the primary constant care. Family members do not automatically take priority over friends — the person providing the most care qualifies. However, Centrelink may ask more questions about non-family arrangements.
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.
Respite Provisions
You are entitled to 63 days of respite per year where someone else provides the care. During respite, you continue to receive Carer Payment. This can be used for holidays, hospitalisation, or any break from caring. Unused days do not carry over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Carer Payment for caring for a friend?
Will Centrelink question a friend carer arrangement?
Can I be paid by the person I care for and get Carer Payment?
What evidence do I need as a friend carer?
Does Carer Allowance have the same relationship rules?
Related tools & calculators
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.