Since 2025, the fortnightly rates on recipients of the Centrelink Carer Payment will be increased, as the government is determined to support the Australians who offer essential care to their relatives or other people with disabilities, medical illnesses, or age-related requirements. The recent rate increase is meant to enable the carers to cope up with the inflation of the living expenses and the extra financial burden of caring. The new payment rates, eligibility clarifications and key updates that carers need to note are discussed in this article.
New rates of Carer Payment Since October 2025.
The rate of the standard Carer Payment will be gone up by about 20-1,027.70 per fortnight among individual recipients. The couples who are on the Carer Payment will also enjoy proportional increases and the joint fortnightly rate will also increase accordingly. These rates do not include any other supplements like Rent Assistance which still can be offered to the carers depending on their housing and income situation.
Qualification and Eligibility
Career Payment is given to those individuals who offer round-the-clock care to the severely disabled, chronically ill people, or those who are frail aged. The main eligibility requirements are:
– Australian resident and satisfying the residence conditions.
– To take care of a person who needs constant care and attention due to a disability, health condition or old age.
– Satisfaction of income and assets eligibility requirements under Centrelink to receive the payment.
– Care on a daily basis in a home usually instead of paid care.
Depending on the situation, qualified carers may receive the payment independently or together with some other support payments.
Notable Changes and Access to the Higher Payment
– This growth will be automatic to everyone who will be receiving the Carer Payment and will be updated in Centrelink payments beginning the payment cycle after October 20, 2025.
– Carers should ensure that their personal details and that of the care recipients are updated with Centrelink particularly in case of any changes in circumstances.
– The new participants will have an opportunity to apply online or by phone and will be evaluated by the existing eligibility criteria.
| Payment Detail | New Amount (Fortnightly) |
|---|---|
| Single Carer Payment | $1,027.70 (approximate) |
| Couple Carer Payment (combined) | Increased proportionately |
| Rent Assistance | Additional eligibility-based payment |
FAQs
Q1: Does the Carer Payment hike become a one-off or a recurrent?
The growth represents continued indexed payments, which have been revised periodically to maintain the same pace with inflation and living expenses.
Q2: Are new carers eligible to this higher payment?
Yes, any new applicants who fit the requirements can apply at any time via Centrelink avenues.
Q3: Does this increment have an impact on other Centrelink payments?
No, the increase in Carer Payment is independent and does not decrease the eligibility or rates on other payments.