In 2025, Australia’s Carer Payment program is expanding once again and providing considerable support to individuals who care for people who suffer from serious illnesses, disabilities, and the elderly who are ill, and full time. The Carer Payment program added work and care flexibility and maintained the relief adjustment to the basic fortnight payment for single carers, now ranging from $795 to $865 to address inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
The 2025 Carer Payment Rates Explained
As of September 20, 2025, single carer payment recipients will receive $1,178.70, inclusive of all supplements, which are the basic rate, the pension supplement and the energy supplement, per fortnight. For couples, the payment is about $888.50 fortnightly per partner. The basic payment rate is now just about $795 to $865, varying by $ supplements, relationship status and additional supplements.
Major Changes: More Flexibility for Carers
One of the most substantial changes in the 2025 policy is the amendment of the participation rules for carers. Now, carers can work for 100 hours in a four week rolling period. Travel, study, and volunteering do not count toward the 100 hours and will give carers more time to work and safely maintain the status and payment as a carer.
Who qualifies for Carer Payment in 2025?
In terms of residency status, the needed level of care, and finances, who qualifies Carer Payment? Care recipients must require significant, substantial care for which the Adult Disability Assessment Tool or a similar evaluation for children will be used and the care provider must render daily care, nonstop and for caregivers to receive the payment, both the care provider and care recipient must meet stipulated income and assets caps. Additionally, it bears mentioning that caregivers receive the Carer Payment qualify for the $600 Carer Supplement issued once a year.
Supplements and Other Support
Pegged to the core payment, each eligible care recipient under Carer Supplement receives an additional $600. Other support policies include energy supplements, which may apply. All support which reflects accountability for inflation, is increased in March and September.
Impact and Administrative Details
Because of the changes in the payment and the amounts which are triggered systemically likely from the governmental policies and frameworks, the policies attributed to the Centrelink reduces the recipients burdens. Carers should make changes to the living, caring, and work arrangements in a way that the payments, the amounts of payment and the eligibility will be streamlined out to Centrelink which is vital for these arrangements. Centrelink may withhold tax, which is likely to be the case with a recipient above the Age Pension level.
Very Short Table of Key Rates (2025)
| Carer Status | Max. Rate (Fortnight) | Annual Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,178.70 | $600 |
| Couple (each) | $888.50 | $600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do the new rules allow carers to work more?
Yes, carers can now work a maximum of 100 paid hours in a 4 week period, without including hours spent on study or volunteering.
Q2: Do carers automatically get the annual $600 supplement?
Yes, all eligible Carer Payments includes the annual $600 supplement without the need to apply.
Q3: Can payment amounts change during the year?
Yes, payment amounts can change based on inflation or a cost of living adjustments. This happens in March and September.
