Receive $320 Monthly With Australia’s Carer Allowance – Find Out If You Qualify

Caring for a loved one with a disability, illness, or age-related condition can be both emotionally and financially challenging. To alleviate some of the financial pressure, the Australian government provides a Carer Allowance of $320 per month, approximately $89.70 per fortnight.

This allowance is designed for individuals who provide daily care to someone in need, and it offers essential financial support. In this article, we’ll go over the Carer Allowance, its eligibility requirements, payment details, and how to apply.

What Is the Carer Allowance?

The Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment provided by the Australian government to individuals who care for someone with a serious illness, disability, or age-related condition.

This financial assistance is aimed at helping carers with the costs of caregiving and ensuring that the person being cared for receives the necessary support.

Unlike the Carer Payment, which is income- and asset-tested, the Carer Allowance is non-means-tested. This means that carers can receive this payment regardless of their income or assets.

In addition to the regular allowance, recipients also receive a Carer Supplement of $600 annually, paid in July.

Carer Allowance Payment Details

Details	Information
Payment Amount	$320 per month (approximately $89.70 per fortnight)
Annual Supplement	$600, paid in July
Income/Asset Test	No, non-means-tested
Care Duration Requirement	Minimum of 20 hours per week
Residency Requirement	Must be an Australian resident
Claiming Platform	Centrelink via MyGov or paper application

Eligibility for the Carer Allowance

To be eligible for the Carer Allowance, carers must meet certain criteria based on both the caregiver’s and the care recipient’s situation:

Care Recipient Requirements:
- The person receiving care must have a recognized medical condition or disability.
- They must score high enough on the Adult Disability Assessment Determination (ADAD) or the Disability Care Load Assessment (for children).
- The care provided must be frequent, ongoing, and essential for the recipient’s daily functioning.
Carer Requirements:
- The carer must provide at least 20 hours of care per week.
- Both the carer and the care recipient must live in Australia and meet the residency requirements.

How to Claim the Carer Allowance

Carers can claim the Carer Allowance through Centrelink via MyGov or submit a paper application if they do not have online access. Before starting the application, you will need to have medical evidence or assessments from a health professional that verify the care needs of the person being cared for.

Once the application is submitted, Services Australia will review the claim and notify the carer of the outcome. The review process typically takes 21–35 days.

If the care arrangement or the medical condition of the person being cared for changes, it’s important to keep all relevant documents updated.

What the Carer Allowance Covers

The $320 per month received from the Carer Allowance is meant to cover some of the extra costs associated with caregiving, including:

Transport for medical appointments or daily activities
Medical supplies and other necessary equipment
Household costs, such as utilities and food

This allowance is a non-means-tested benefit, meaning it is available to all eligible carers, regardless of their financial situation, and can be claimed in addition to other Centrelink payments, such as the Carer Payment or Age Pension.

The Carer Allowance provides essential financial support for those caring for individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, or age-related frailty.

With a non-means-tested approach, it ensures that carers can receive assistance without worrying about their income or assets. If you meet the eligibility requirements, this $320 per month allowance, along with the $600 annual supplement, can help ease the financial strain that comes with caregiving.

Remember to apply through Centrelink and keep your documentation up to date for a smooth application process.

FAQs

How much do I get from the Carer Allowance?

You will receive $320 per month, which is about $89.70 per fortnight, plus an annual $600 Carer Supplement in July.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Carer Allowance?

You must provide at least 20 hours of care per week, be an Australian resident, and care for someone with a recognized medical condition or disability.

How do I apply for the Carer Allowance?

You can apply online via Centrelink through MyGov or submit a paper application. Medical evidence or assessments from a health professional will be required.