Carer Allowance is an income supplement that recognises the impact of the caring role on carers.
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT BENEFITS
The Australian Government recognises the special contribution that grandparents make to families and the community and provide a range of benefits to assist eligible claimants. The information provided is a guide only, due to its complexity. Any matters relating to assistance in respect of children entering or leaving care should be dealt with by appointment with the Family Assistance Office. Family Assistance Offices are located within Medicare and Centrelink offices and Australian Taxation Shopfronts.
Caring for a Child with a Disability
If your grandchild has a disability you may be eligible for financial support as the child’s carer. The forms of support available are described below:
CARER ALLOWANCE
Carer Allowance (child) – care receiver under 16 years of age
Carer Allowance is an income supplement that recognises the impact of the caring role on carers. It can be paid in addition to income support payments.
A person may get Carer Allowance (child) if they look after a dependent child whose condition is on the Lists of Recognised Disabilities or who is assessed as functioning below the level expected of a child of the same age who does not have a disability. You must live in the same home as the child you are caring for. Both the carer and the child with a disability must also meet residence requirements.
A single rate of Carer Allowance is available if care is provided to two dependent children with disabilities or severe medical conditions who individually do not qualify a carer for Carer Allowance, but whose combined assessment against the Child Disability Assessment Tool meets the eligibility threshold.
A Carer Allowance customer is eligible for a Health Care Card (HCC) for a child care receiver. A HCC entitles the cardholder to concessions for prescription medicines, dental and optometrist services for the child. If the carer of a child is ineligible for Carer Allowance, he or she may still be entitled to a HCC if the child needs at least 14 hours more care and attention per week compared to a child of the same age without a disability or severe medical condition.
Carer Allowance is free of income and asset tests and is not treated as income for taxation purposes.
Carer Allowance (adult) - care receiver 16 years of age or more
Carer Allowance (adult) may be available if your grandchild is over 16 years of age and has long-term personal care needs because of a disability or severe medical condition.
To find out more about eligibility for Carer Allowance, visit your local Centrelink office or telephone 13 27 17.
CARER PAYMENT
Carer Payment is an income support payment for people who, because of their caring responsibilities, are unable to support themselves through substantial workforce participation.
You may get Carer Payment (child) if you provide constant care in the home of the person you care for and they are:
- a child under the age of 16 with a profound disability, or
- two or more children under 16 years of age with disabilities whose combined care needs are at least equivalent to those of a child with a profound disability.
Carer Payment is subject to an income and assets test.
Carer Payment (adult)
Carer Payment (adult) may be available if your grandchild is over 16 years of age and has long-term personal care needs because of a disability or severe medical condition.
To find out more about eligibility for Carer Payment, visit your local Centrelink office or telephone 13 27 17.
The information above was provided by the Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
