Carer Payment assets test 2026
The assets free areas and limits that decide how much Carer Payment you can get.
| Situation | Assets free area |
|---|---|
| Single — Homeowner | $333,000 |
| Couple (combined) — Homeowner | $499,000 |
| Couple (combined) — Illness separated — Homeowner | $499,000 |
| Single — Non-homeowner | $600,000 |
| Couple (combined) — Non-homeowner | $766,000 |
| Couple (combined) — Illness separated — Non-homeowner | $766,000 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 July 2026 — Pension — Assets free areas / Assets limits — Resident
Above the free area, your payment reduces by $3 a fortnight for every 1,000 dollars of assessable assets.
| Situation | Assets limit |
|---|---|
| Single — Homeowner | $733,500 |
| Couple (combined), including where only one partner is eligible — Homeowner | $1,102,500 |
| Couple (combined) — Illness separated — Homeowner | $1,300,000 |
| Single — Non-homeowner | $1,000,500 |
| Couple (combined), including where only one partner is eligible — Non-homeowner | $1,369,500 |
| Couple (combined) — Illness separated — Non-homeowner | $1,567,000 |
The assets test on you counts most of what you own, apart from your home if you are a homeowner. Above the assets free area, the pension reduces by a set amount for every extra thousand dollars of assets. Homeowners have a lower free area than non-homeowners.
The person you care for also has care-receiver asset limits. If they do not receive an income support payment, their assets must be under the set limit for you to qualify. The current limits are shown on this page.
More on Carer Payment
- Carer Payment overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- Income testHow earnings change it
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.