Carer Payment
Single
Equivalent to approximately $84.19 per day ($1178.70 ÷ 14 days).
Single carers receive up to $1,178.70 per fortnight ($84.19 per day) through Carer Payment — the same rate as the Age Pension. Carer Payment supports people who provide constant care for someone with a severe disability, medical condition, or frailty due to age. Both income and assets tests apply. Rates are indexed in March and September each year.
Assets Test
Carer Payment uses the same assets thresholds as the Age Pension. Homeowners and non-homeowners have different limits.
| Homeowner | Non-homeowner | |
|---|---|---|
| Assets free area (full payment) | $321,500 | $579,500 |
| Assets limit (payment stops) | $714,500 | $972,500 |
Income Test
You can earn up to $218.00/fn before your payment reduces. Above this, your payment reduces by 50 cents per dollar.
| Income free area | $218.00/fn |
| Taper rate | 50¢ per $1 over free area |
| Income limit (payment stops) | $2575.40/fn |
Other Carer Payment rates
Rates verified against the DSS A Guide to Australian Government Payments and Services Australia . Last verified: 2026-02-25. View DSS rate schedule →
General guidance only. Verify your entitlements with Services Australia on 132 300 or at servicesaustralia.gov.au .