How much is Carer Payment in 2026?
Carer Payment · Single
Typical total per fortnight · $32,180.20 ≈ per year (×26 fortnights)
- Basic Rate
- $1,135.40
- Pension Supplement
- $88.20
- Energy Supplement
- $14.10
- Total per fortnight
- $1,237.70
Effective 20 September 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia · What changed on 20 September 2026
The Carer Payment rate for your situation is shown in the data block and table above, with its effective date. It is paid every two weeks and includes the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.
That figure is the maximum. How much you actually get depends on your own income and assets. The person you care for also has to meet a separate care-receiver income and assets test. The next increase is on 20 March 2027.
Worked examples
| Situation | Income a fortnight | Rent a fortnight | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, homeowner, no other income | $0 | — | $1,237.70 a fortnight |
| Single, homeowner, with other income | $500 | — | $1,100.70 a fortnight |
| Single, renting, no other income (includes Rent Assistance) | $0 | $450 | $1,456.85 a fortnight |
| Couple, homeowners, combined other income (combined payment) | $500 | — | $1,814.00 a fortnight |
| Couple, renting, no other income (combined, includes Rent Assistance) | $0 | $450 | $2,011.65 a fortnight |
Assets under the assets-test free area and no financial assets, so no deemed income. Other income is per fortnight. Rent Assistance uses the no-children rates.
- With $500 a fortnight of other income, a single homeowner is paid $1,100.70, $137.00 less than the maximum.
- Renting at $450 a fortnight adds $219.15 of Rent Assistance for a single pensioner, making the payment $1,456.85, $219.15 more than a homeowner with no income.
Carer Payment rates in full
| Variant | Base rate | Supplements | Total /fortnight | ≈ per year (×26) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,135.40 | $102.30 | $1,237.70 | $32,180.20 |
| Couple (each) | $855.90 | $77.10 | $933.00 | $24,258 |
| Couple (combined) | $1,711.80 | $154.20 | $1,866.00 | $48,516 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — Pension — Single — Resident (common pension rate) · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — Pension — Partnered (each) — Resident (common pension rate) · derived: 2 × Couple (each) — DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 September 2026 — Pension — Partnered (each) — Resident
What changed on 20 September 2026
| Rate | Before 20 September 2026 | From 20 September 2026 | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,200.90 | $1,237.70 | +$36.80 | +3.06% |
| Couple (each) | $905.20 | $933.00 | +$27.80 | +3.07% |
| Couple (combined) | $1,810.40 | $1,866.00 | +$55.60 | +3.07% |
- On 20 September 2026, Carer Payment, single, rose $36.80, or 3.06%, from $1,200.90 to $1,237.70.
- Carer Payment, single, pays up to $1,237.70 a fortnight, $404.00 (48.46%) more than JobSeeker for a single person with no children at $833.70.
More on Carer Payment
- Carer Payment overview
- Carer Payment rate table
- Carer Payment income test
- Carer Payment assets test
- Carer Payment in 2026
How much is Carer Payment: common questions
- How much is Carer Payment per fortnight?
- Carer Payment is paid at Age Pension rates. The single rate is shown in the data block at the top of this page, with its effective date, 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 March 2027. 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 effective 20 September 2026 · next scheduled indexation 20 March 2027. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 23 September 2026.