Carer Allowance Australia 2025: New $159.30 Fortnightly Rate Explained
Australia’s unpaid carers will receive a financial boost in 2025, thanks to the latest update to the Carer Allowance. Effective from January 1, 2025, the fortnightly payment has increased to $159.30, providing additional financial support to those offering daily care to individuals with a disability, chronic illness, or age-related frailty.
What Is Carer Allowance Australia 2025?
Carer Allowance is a supplementary, non-taxable payment offered by the Australian Government to people providing daily care and attention. It is designed to assist with the extra costs associated with long-term care responsibilities. This allowance is particularly vital for parents, spouses, or guardians who manage caregiving roles alongside work or other responsibilities.
New Payment Rate in 2025
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Previous Rate | ~$153.50 per fortnight |
| Updated Rate (2025) | $159.30 per fortnight |
| Effective Date | January 1, 2025 |
The updated amount reflects adjustments for inflation as part of the government’s broader commitment to maintaining income support relevance across all social welfare programs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Carer Allowance in 2025, you must meet several key conditions:
- Provide daily care to a person with a disability, medical condition, or who is frail due to age
- Care must be expected to last at least 12 months (unless terminal)
- Both the carer and the care recipient must be Australian residents
- The care can take place in either person’s home
- Carer Allowance is not income or asset tested
Even carers working part-time or full-time can receive this allowance if they meet the care requirement.
How Carer Allowance Works
- Paid fortnightly into your nominated bank account
- Fixed rate irrespective of income or other government benefits
- Can be received alongside other support payments, such as Carer Payment or Age Pension
How to Check or Update Your Payment
- Log in to myGov and access your Centrelink account
- Check the current payment amount listed under Carer Allowance
- If it’s not $159.30 per fortnight, contact Centrelink at 13 23 00
- Keep records of your care responsibilities and update Centrelink if circumstances change
Additional Financial Support for Carers
If you receive Carer Allowance, you may also be eligible for:
- Carer Payment – for full-time carers unable to work (income-tested)
- Carer Supplement – an annual lump sum of up to $600
- Child Disability Assistance Payment – additional yearly support for carers of children
- Carer Gateway Services – offers respite care, counseling, and community support
Challenges Carers Face and How to Cope
Being a carer comes with emotional, physical, and financial stress. Some practical tips include:
- Budgeting tools to manage income
- Respite services for mental and physical breaks
- Join local support groups for advice and emotional relief
- Track all care-related expenses and hours for accurate reporting and support eligibility
Real-Life Scenarios
- Emma, a single mum caring for her son with autism, works part-time and still receives $159.30 fortnightly without reduction
- Sarah and Tom, siblings caring for their elderly parent, split care duties and receive shared Carer Allowance payments
- David, a full-time carer, checks his payment through myGov after the January update to confirm he’s receiving the correct amount
Read Also:
Australia Centrelink Cost of Living Payment 2025 – Check Eligibility, Amount & Dates
FAQs About Carer Allowance Australia 2025
Q1. What is the current Carer Allowance rate?
As of January 1, 2025, it is $159.30 per fortnight.
Q2. Who qualifies for this allowance?
Unpaid carers providing daily support to someone with a disability, medical condition, or frailty.
Q3. Is the payment income-tested?
No, Carer Allowance is not affected by your income or assets.
Q4. How do I confirm if I’m receiving the correct rate?
Log into myGov, check Centrelink records, or call 13 23 00.
Q5. Are there other supports available for carers?
Yes. Carer Payment, Carer Supplement, and support via Carer Gateway may also be available.
As a finance news writer at sirfal.com, I specialize in breaking down complex economic trends, market updates, and investment strategies into clear, actionable insights. My mission is to empower readers with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions. Thank you for engaging with my articles; I hope they add value to your financial journey.