Carer Payment for Parents — Who Can Be a Carer?
If you are a parent caring for a child under 16 with a severe disability or medical condition, you may qualify for Carer Payment (child). If your child is 16 or over, you would apply for Carer Payment (adult). Either way, you must provide constant care and the child must meet the relevant disability assessment criteria.
Last verified: 20 March 2026Eligibility
- *You must be the parent or legal guardian providing constant care to the child
- *The child must have a severe disability, medical condition, or combination of conditions
- *For children under 16: the child must score highly on the Disability Care Load Assessment Determination (DCLAD) or qualify through a recognised disability (list condition)
- *For children 16+: the Adult Disability Assessment Tool (ADAT) applies instead
- *You must provide care in the child's home (you must live together)
- *Both biological parents, step-parents, and legal guardians can qualify
- *Only one parent can receive Carer Payment for a particular child, but the other parent may qualify for Carer Allowance
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
As a parent, you are expected to live with the child you are caring for. If the child is in shared custody, Carer Payment may be split or go to the primary carer. If the child is in hospital or respite care, your 63 days of respite per year apply.
Two-Carer Scenarios
If both parents provide significant care, only one can receive Carer Payment for the same child. The other parent may receive Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn) if they also provide daily care and attention. In separated families, the parent providing the majority of care typically receives Carer Payment.
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 as a parent?
Can both parents get Carer Payment for the same child?
What if I care for multiple children with disabilities?
Can I work as a parent carer?
What happens when my child turns 16?
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.