Income and Assets tests for Carer Payment
The amount of Carer Paymentyou get depends on:
- your income and assets and
- the income and assets of the care receiver (person or child) you are caring for.
Note: If you are caring for a child, and the child does not receive an income support payment from us, the care receiver income and assets test may apply.
Note: If the person you are caring for does not receive an income support payment from us or from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the care receiver income and assets test may apply.
Care receiver income and assets limits
Carer Payment is subject to a care receiver income and assets test as shown below. The income and assets test limit amounts are updated on 1 January each year.
Care receiver income test
The care receiver's income that qualifies a carer for Carer Payment is limited to $101,656 or less.
Care receiver assets test
The care receiver's assets that qualify a carer for Carer Payment are limited to $627,000 or less.
If the care receiver's assets levels are over $627,000, under certain circumstances, the care receiver's assets test may not disqualify the carer from Carer Payment.
Current liquid assets limits for care receivers are $6,000 (single) and $10,000 (partnered).
Working, volunteering, or studying/training
You can participate in work, including volunteer work, or study/training for 25 hours a week (including the time taken to travel) and still be eligible for Carer Payment. Any employment income you receive may affect your rate of Carer Payment.