How much is Carer Payment (Couple, Each) per fortnight in 2026?

Carer Payment for each member of a couple is $913.30 per fortnight from March 2026 ($841.40 base + $59.10 Pension Supplement + $12.80 Energy Supplement). Plus Carer Allowance of $153.00/fn each. Combined couple total is $2,132.60 per fortnight.

What is the income limit for Carer Payment?

Couples can earn up to $360 combined per fortnight before Carer Payment is reduced. Above that, each person's payment reduces by 25c per dollar. Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn) is NOT affected.

Can I work and still get Carer Payment?

You can do some work and still receive Carer Payment, but generally cannot work more than 25 hours per week. Carer Allowance continues regardless of income.

How Much Is Carer Payment (Couple, Each) in 2026?

Current fortnightly rate for a each member of a couple, including supplements, income test, and assets test thresholds. Updated for March 2026 indexation.

Per Fortnight

$913.30

Per Week

$456.65

Per Month

$1,978.82

Per Year

$23,745.80

Payment Components

Base rate$841.40

Pension Supplement$59.10

Energy Supplement$12.80

Total per fortnight$913.30

Income Test

Income free area$360.00 per fortnight (combined)

Payment cuts out at approx$4,012.00/fn

Above $360 combined per fortnight, each person's payment reduces by 25 cents for every dollar of combined income.

Assets Test Thresholds

Situation	Homeowner	Non-Homeowner
Single	$314,000.00	$566,000.00
Couple (combined)	$470,000.00	$722,000.00

Above the threshold, payment reduces by $3 per fortnight for every $1,000 in combined assets. Your home is not counted.

Supplements Included

✓Pension Supplement ($59.10/fn each)
✓Energy Supplement ($12.80/fn each)

Additional Payments You Might Get

+Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn, NOT income tested)
+Carer Supplement ($600/year)
+Rent Assistance (up to $174.00/fn combined if renting)
+Pensioner Concession Card

Eligibility Quick-Check

•Providing constant care for someone with a severe disability or medical condition
•Care receiver lives in their home
•Australian resident
•Combined income and assets tested with partner

Want to see your exact payment based on your income and assets?

Use the Carer Payment Calculator

Compare Other Payment Rates

JobSeeker Payment (Single, No Children)JobSeeker Payment (Partnered)JobSeeker Payment (Single Parent / Principal Carer)Youth Allowance (Single, 18+, Living at Home)Youth Allowance (Single, Away From Home)Age Pension (Single)Age Pension (Couple, Each)Parenting Payment Single (PPS)Parenting Payment Partnered (PPP)Disability Support Pension (Single)Disability Support Pension (Couple, Each)Carer Payment (Single)Austudy

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.