Carer Payment for Siblings — Who Can Be a Carer?

If you provide constant care to your brother or sister who has a severe disability or medical condition, you can qualify for Carer Payment. Sibling carers often take on caring responsibilities when parents are no longer able to provide care, and it is important to understand your entitlements.

Last verified: 20 March 2026

Eligibility

*You must provide constant care to your sibling in their home or yours
*Your sibling must score highly on the Adult Disability Assessment Tool (ADAT)
*Biological siblings, half-siblings, step-siblings, and adopted siblings all qualify
*You must live together — caring from a separate address generally does not qualify
*Your own income and assets are assessed under the income and asset tests
*If your sibling receives DSP or another payment, this does not affect your eligibility for Carer Payment

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 your sibling. This is a common arrangement when siblings with disabilities transition out of the parental home. If you live separately and provide daily support, Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn) may be more appropriate than Carer Payment.

Two-Carer Scenarios

If your sibling has multiple people providing care (e.g., you and a parent), only one person can receive Carer Payment. The other carers may receive Carer Allowance. If the primary carer changes (e.g., a parent can no longer care), the Carer Payment can be transferred to you.

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 my sibling?

Yes. Siblings (biological, half, step, or adopted) can receive Carer Payment if they provide constant care to a brother or sister with a severe disability or medical condition. You must live together.

What if our parent was the previous carer?

If a parent was previously receiving Carer Payment and can no longer care (due to age, illness, or death), you can apply for Carer Payment as a sibling carer. The transition should be prompt to avoid gaps in your income support.

Can my sibling get DSP while I get Carer Payment?

Yes. Your sibling can receive DSP ($1,116.30/fn single or $841.40/fn partnered) while you receive Carer Payment ($1,116.30/fn single). You also receive Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn) on top. Your sibling's DSP is their income, not yours.

What housing arrangements work for sibling carers?

You must live with your sibling. This can be in your home, their home, or a shared arrangement. Rent Assistance may be available if you rent. If your sibling lives in supported accommodation, you would need to demonstrate that you still provide constant care.

Can I get Carer Payment and work?

Yes. You can work up to 25 hours per week (including travel time) while receiving Carer Payment, as long as you continue providing constant care. Your income is assessed under the income test — up to $204/fn without reduction.

Related tools & calculators

Benefits Check Carer Payment Calculator DSP Calculator Income & Asset Test Assets Test Thresholds Payment Rates 2025-26 Deeming Rates Rent 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.