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Carer Payment for Spouse/Partners — Who Can Be a Carer?

If you provide constant care to your spouse or de facto partner who has a severe disability, medical condition, or is frail aged, you can qualify for Carer Payment. As a couple, specific income and asset tests apply, and your partner may also receive a payment (such as DSP or Age Pension) — creating a combined household income from Centrelink.

Last verified: 20 March 2026

Eligibility

  • *You must be the spouse or de facto partner (including same-sex partners) of the person you are caring for
  • *Your partner must score highly on the Adult Disability Assessment Tool (ADAT)
  • *You must provide constant care in your shared home
  • *Your partner may simultaneously receive their own payment (DSP, Age Pension) — this does not disqualify you
  • *Couple income and asset test thresholds apply (combined assessment)
  • *If you separate from your partner, your Carer Payment arrangements may change

Carer Payment Rates (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.

Live-In Requirements

You must live with your spouse or partner. As a couple, this is usually naturally the case. If your partner is temporarily hospitalised, your 63 days of respite per year apply. If your partner enters permanent residential aged care, Carer Payment will generally cease, but you may transition to another payment.

Two-Carer Scenarios

In a spousal care situation, only one person is the carer and the other is the care receiver. The care receiver may receive their own payment (e.g., DSP at the partnered rate of $841.40/fn). You would receive Carer Payment at the partnered rate ($841.40/fn each) plus Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn). Combined, the household receives up to $1,835.80/fn.

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 spouse?
Yes. Spouses and de facto partners (including same-sex partners) can receive Carer Payment if they provide constant care to their partner who has a severe disability or medical condition. Couple income and asset tests apply.
Can my partner get DSP while I get Carer Payment?
Yes. Your partner can receive Disability Support Pension (or Age Pension) at the partnered rate ($841.40/fn each) while you receive Carer Payment at the partnered rate ($841.40/fn each). You also receive Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn) on top.
What are the income test limits for a couple?
For couples, the combined income free area is $360 per fortnight. Above this, each partner's payment reduces by 25 cents per dollar. Your partner's Centrelink payment (DSP, Age Pension) counts as their income for means testing purposes.
What happens if my partner goes into aged care?
If your partner enters permanent residential aged care, you generally lose eligibility for Carer Payment as you are no longer providing constant care at home. You may transition to Age Pension (if 67+) or JobSeeker Payment. Temporary admissions use your respite days.
What if we separate?
If you separate from the person you care for, your Carer Payment arrangements will be reviewed. You may continue caring and receiving Carer Payment if you provide constant care in the care receiver's home, but this is assessed case by case. Your payment rate changes to the single rate ($1,116.30/fn).

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.