Carer Payment and Carer Allowance are separate Centrelink (Services Australia) payments, not NDIS funding. Carer Payment is income support for someone who provides constant care and is income and assets tested. Carer Allowance is a smaller supplement for daily care. Both are paid fortnightly; check Services Australia for current rates.
People often blur “carer payment” and “carer allowance”, but they are distinct Centrelink payments with different purposes. Carer Payment is income support for a person who, because of their caring role, cannot support themselves through substantial paid work. Carer Allowance is a smaller supplement for someone giving daily care and attention.
Neither is part of the NDIS. The NDIS funds supports for the person with disability, while these payments support the carer. Depending on circumstances, a carer may be eligible for one or both.
For Carer Payment, eligibility generally turns on whether you provide constant care to someone with a severe disability, medical condition or who is frail aged, and on meeting residence rules. Because it is income support, it is subject to both an income test and an assets test.
Carer Allowance has lighter tests. There is an income test but no assets test, and it can be paid whether or not you also receive an income-support payment, which is why some carers receive it alongside another payment.
Both payments are delivered by Services Australia and paid fortnightly into your nominated account. Carer Payment amounts are aligned with pension rates and can include supplements, while Carer Allowance is a flat fortnightly supplement.
Because all of these amounts are adjusted by indexation, any dollar figure dates quickly. Treat published amounts as a guide only and confirm the current rates and thresholds directly with Services Australia before relying on them.
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