Caring for someone

Financial benefits and services are available for parents or carers who provide daily care to someone who has a severe disability, medical condition or is frail aged.

Who does this information apply to?

Carers who provide daily care and attention for a person with a severe disability, medical condition or is frail aged.

Financial benefits and services

Carer Payment can provide you with income support if, because of the demands of your caring role, you are unable to support yourself through substantial paid employment.

You may also be eligible for Carer Allowance if you are a parent or carer who provides additional daily care and attention for an adult or child with a disability or medical condition, or for an adult who is frail aged. Carer Allowance is free of the income and assets test, is not taxable and can be paid in addition to wages, Carer Payment or any other Centrelink payment.

Continence Aids Payment Scheme provides an annual payment to cover the cost of buying continence products from the supplier of your choice. 

More information

• Centrelink website - Caring

Support services

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres provide information about community and other aged care services to assist carers to take a break. Information and advice about respite options and help with organising planned or emergency respite is available by contacting your nearest Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre by phoning a national telephone number Freecall 1800 052 222*. Anyone can contact a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre and to date centres have assisted over 500, 000 people.

^{*Mobile phones are charged at applicable rates.}