Carer Payment rates 2026
Carer Payment · Single
Typical total per fortnight · $31,223.40 ≈ per year (×26 fortnights)
- Basic Rate
- $1,100.30
- Pension Supplement
- $86.50
- Energy Supplement
- $14.10
- Total per fortnight
- $1,200.90
Effective 20 March 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia
Carer Payment is income support for people who cannot work in substantial paid employment because they give constant care to someone with a severe disability or medical condition, or to a frail aged person. It is paid at pension rates. It is paid by Services Australia through Centrelink.
This page shows the current Carer Payment rates and how the tests work. Carer Payment is indexed twice a year, and the next change is on 20 September 2026.
Every number on this page is taken line by line from the Department of Social Services rates list and checked against the Services Australia payments guide.
Full Carer Payment rate table
| Variant | Base rate | Supplements | Total /fortnight | ≈ per year (×26) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,100.30 | $100.60 | $1,200.90 | $31,223.40 |
| Couple (each) | $829.40 | $75.80 | $905.20 | $23,535.20 |
| Couple (combined) | $1,658.80 | $151.60 | $1,810.40 | $47,070.40 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — Pension — Single — Resident (common pension rate) · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — Pension — Partnered (each) — Resident (common pension rate) · derived: 2 × Couple (each) — DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — Pension — Partnered (each) — Resident
The table below shows the Carer Payment rates. Because Carer Payment is a pension, the rates match the Age Pension: a single rate, and a lower rate each for members of a couple. The total is a basic rate plus the Pension Supplement and the Energy Supplement.
When a figure is labelled a total, it means those parts added together. Carer Payment is a full income support payment, which is different from Carer Allowance, a smaller supplement that can be paid on top.
What this means
Carer Payment is paid every two weeks at the same rates as the Age Pension, and the total already includes the Pension Supplement and the Energy Supplement.
Two tests apply to you, an income test and an assets test, and the lower result is paid, the same as any pension. Financial assets are assessed using deeming.
There is also a care-receiver test. The person you care for must have income and assets below set limits, unless they get an income support payment themselves. This is separate from the test on your own income and assets.
Carer Payment is different from Carer Allowance. Carer Payment replaces a wage you cannot earn because of caring; Carer Allowance is a smaller supplement for the extra costs of caring, and the two can be paid together. The next Carer Payment increase is on 20 September 2026, and this page updates to match.
Who can get Carer Payment
Services Australia assesses Carer Payment on the care you provide and the needs of the person you care for, as well as your own residence status, income and assets. You generally need to be giving constant care, and the person you care for must meet a care needs assessment.
This page reports the rates and the test rules. It does not decide your claim. For the eligibility rules that apply to your own situation, check the official Carer Payment page linked at the top and bottom of this page.
Explore Carer Payment
- Full rate tableEvery variant, base to total
- How much in 2026?The answer, up top
- Income testHow earnings change it
- Assets testLimits and free areas
Carer Payment: common questions
- How much is Carer Payment per fortnight?
- Carer Payment is paid at Age Pension rates. The current single rate is shown in the data block at the top of this page, and it includes the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement. Couples are paid a lower rate each. Your payment can be lower once your income and assets are tested.
- What is the difference between Carer Payment and Carer Allowance?
- Carer Payment is a full income support payment at pension rates for people who cannot work because of caring. Carer Allowance is a smaller supplement for the extra daily costs of caring. You may be able to get both at the same time. See our Carer Payment versus Carer Allowance comparison.
- Does the person I care for affect my Carer Payment?
- Yes. As well as the tests on your own income and assets, there is a care-receiver test. If the person you care for does not get an income support payment themselves, their income and assets must be under set limits for you to qualify. The limits are shown on this page.
- When does Carer Payment go up next?
- Carer Payment is indexed on 20 March and 20 September, the same as the Age Pension. The next increase is on 20 September 2026. This page updates to match.
- Is Carer Payment taxable?
- It depends on the ages of you and the person you care for. Carer Payment is generally taxable if both of you are under Age Pension age, and tax-free if either of you has reached Age Pension age. Because this is a specific rule, check the Australian Taxation Office for how it applies to you.
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates current as of 20 March 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 17 July 2026.