How much is Carer Payment (Single) per fortnight in 2026?

Carer Payment for a single person is $1,208.80 per fortnight from March 2026 ($1,116.30 base + $78.40 Pension Supplement + $14.10 Energy Supplement). Plus Carer Allowance of $153.00/fn (not income tested). Total $1,361.80 per fortnight.

What is the income limit for Carer Payment?

Single carers can earn up to $204 per fortnight before Carer Payment is reduced. Above that, it reduces by 50c per dollar. Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn) is NOT affected by income.

Can I work and still get Carer Payment?

You can do some work and still receive Carer Payment, but you generally cannot work more than 25 hours per week (including travel time). Carer Allowance continues regardless of your income.

How Much Is Carer Payment (Single) in 2026?

Current fortnightly rate for a single carer, including supplements, income test, and assets test thresholds. Updated for March 2026 indexation.

Per Fortnight

$1,208.80

Per Week

$604.40

Per Month

$2,619.07

Per Year

$31,428.80

Payment Components

Base rate$1,116.30

Pension Supplement$78.40

Energy Supplement$14.10

Total per fortnight$1,208.80

Income Test

Income free area$204.00 per fortnight

Payment cuts out at approx$2,620.00/fn

Above $204 per fortnight, the payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar earned.

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 assets. Your home is not counted.

Supplements Included

✓Pension Supplement ($78.40/fn)
✓Energy Supplement ($14.10/fn)

Additional Payments You Might Get

+Carer Allowance ($153.00/fn, NOT income tested)
+Carer Supplement ($600/year)
+Rent Assistance (up to $184.80/fn 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 (not in an institution)
•Australian resident
•Meet income and assets tests
•Cannot generally work more than 25 hours per week

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 (Couple, Each)Austudy

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