Carer Payment Rates 2026: How Much You Can Get per Fortnight

By FindMyHelp Editorial Team · Reviewed against official sources on 26 October 2026

If caring for a family member stops you working full time, Carer Payment can replace some of that lost income. This guide covers the current rates, how your income and assets affect them, and the extra payments you might be missing.

Try it: estimate your rate with our free Carer Payment calculator, which uses the official income and assets tests.

Not sure whether you need Carer Payment or Carer Allowance? Start with our guide Carer Payment vs Carer Allowance.

Quick answer: Carer Payment rates per fortnight

The maximum Carer Payment rates are (Services Australia – How much you can get):

	Single	Couple, each	Couple, combined	Couple, each, separated due to ill health
Maximum basic rate	$1,135.40	$855.90	$1,711.80	$1,135.40
Maximum Pension Supplement	$88.20	$66.50	$133.00	$88.20
Energy Supplement	$14.10	$10.60	$21.20	$14.10
Total per fortnight	$1,237.70	$933.00	$1,866.00	$1,237.70

These are the rates from 20 September 2026. They're adjusted every 20 March and 20 September.

They're maximum rates. Your income and assets, and your partner's, may reduce what you get.

What affects how much you get?

Your income

Carer Payment uses the pension income test. Services Australia assesses income from all sources for you and your partner (Services Australia – Income test).

Your situation	Income you can have before your payment reduces	How it reduces
Single	Up to $226 a fortnight	50 cents for each dollar over $226
Couple (combined)	Up to $396 a fortnight	25 cents each, for each dollar over $396

If your income goes over the cut-off point, you get $0 for that fortnight. The cut-off is $2,701.40 a fortnight for singles and $4,128.00 combined for couples living together. It may be higher if you get Rent Assistance or Work Bonus (Services Australia).

Your assets

Your payment reduces once your assets go over these limits for a full pension (Services Australia – Assets test):

Your situation	Homeowner	Non-homeowner
Single	$333,000	$600,000
Couple, combined	$499,000	$766,000

From 20 September 2026, a part pension stops once assets are over $745,750 (single homeowner), $1,012,750 (single non-homeowner), $1,121,000 (couple homeowner) or $1,388,000 (couple non-homeowner).

The person you care for

The person you care for must also meet income and assets limits. If they don't get an income support payment from Services Australia or DVA, their income must be under $143,752 a year before tax, and their assets under $886,750. Their principal home and the first 2 hectares around it aren't counted (Services Australia – Income and assets test).

Who can get Carer Payment?

You and the person you care for must both meet the rules (Services Australia – Who can get it):

You both need to be Australian residents and meet the income and assets test.
You give constant care to someone who needs care for at least 6 months, or who is at the end of their life.
"Constant care" means care for a large part of each day, roughly a normal working day, which stops you working full time.
Care can be physical help (lifting, dressing), guidance (shopping, taking the right medication) or supervision (independence and safety).
Care is given in the person's home.

The person you care for must have a disability or medical condition likely to last at least 6 months, or a terminal illness. Their treating doctor fills in a medical form (Services Australia – Rules for the person you care for).

Caring for a child under 16? Care needs are assessed differently for children. You may still qualify if a child needs a lot of care for a short-term condition, or care on an episodic basis for 3 to 6 months.

Sharing care? If someone needs more than one carer, you can both claim. Each carer submits their own claim.

Can I work and still get Carer Payment?

Yes. You can do paid work or self-employment for up to 100 hours in a 4-week period (Services Australia – Working while you get Carer Payment).

The 100 hours doesn't include travel to work, study, training or volunteering.
It only counts time spent working when you're not providing care.
You must still provide care for a significant period each day.
Tell Services Australia within 14 days if you start work or your hours or income change.

If you go over 100 hours sometimes, you can use respite days. You get up to 63 days of respite a calendar year. If you run out, your payment may be suspended for up to 6 months instead of cancelled. You can keep your Pensioner Concession Card during a suspension.

The Work Bonus and Working Credit may let you earn more before your payment reduces.

Extra payments you might be missing

Carer Supplement: $600 a year

If you get Carer Payment for a period that includes 1 July, you'll automatically get Carer Supplement, an annual payment of up to $600. You don't need to apply (Services Australia – Carer Supplement).

Carer Allowance

You may be able to get Carer Allowance ($162.60 a fortnight) as well as Carer Payment. You can make a combined claim (Services Australia – Carer Payment). Carer Allowance brings its own $600 Carer Supplement.

Is Carer Payment taxable?

Carer Payment is taxable if you or the person you care for are Age Pension age or over. Tax isn't deducted automatically, but you can ask Services Australia to do this to avoid a debt at tax time (Services Australia).

When will I get paid?

You can claim at any time, but you're usually only paid from the date you lodge your claim. So don't wait (Services Australia – Carer Payment).

In most cases, your first payment arrives about 2 weeks after your claim is approved. It may take longer if a waiting period applies, for example after seasonal work or a compensation payment. After that, you're paid fortnightly (Services Australia – First payment).

If you already get JobSeeker or Parenting Payment, that payment stops once Carer Payment is granted.

Keeping your payment

Tell Services Australia within 14 days about changes. These include taking a break from caring, overseas travel, the person you care for moving into an aged care home, or starting to care for someone else (Services Australia – How to keep your payment).

Frequently asked questions

How much is Carer Payment per fortnight in 2026?

Up to $1,237.70 for singles, and $933.00 each ($1,866.00 combined) for couples, from 20 September 2026 (Services Australia).

When does Carer Payment increase?

On 20 March and 20 September each year.

How much can I earn on Carer Payment?

Singles can earn up to $226 a fortnight before the payment reduces. Couples can earn up to $396 combined. You can also work up to 100 hours in 4 weeks.

Can I get Carer Payment and Carer Allowance together?

Yes, if you're eligible for both. You can make a combined claim.

Does the person I care for have an income limit?

Yes. If they don't get an income support payment, their income must be under $143,752 a year and their assets under $886,750 (excluding their home).

Is there a yearly bonus for carers?

Yes. Carer Supplement of up to $600 is paid automatically each year if you get Carer Payment for a period that includes 1 July.

Get support so you can keep caring

Find NDIS providers near you

Send one free request and get matched with local providers who have availability. Free for families and carers.

Caring is a big job. In-home support and respite can help you keep going. Find carer support, respite and in-home care providers near you on FindMyHelp. Compare local options and send one free request to get matched. It's free for families and carers.

This guide is general information, not financial advice. Payment rates change twice a year. Always check Services Australia for your situation.