National Carer Strategy – August 2011
The National Carer Strategy, announced on 3 August 2011, includes the following initiatives:
- increased eligibility for Bereavement Payment for some Carer Allowance customers
- changes to Carer Supplement
- extension of Carer Adjustment Payment, and
- inclusion of insulin dependent Diabetes on the List of Recognised Disabilities (LORD) for children aged 10 to 16 years.
The changes to Bereavement Payment, Carer Supplement and Carer Adjustment Payment take effect from 1 July 2012.
The changes involving insulin dependent Diabetes took effect from 3 September 2011.
Increased eligibility for Bereavement Payment for some Carer Allowance customers
Who will be affected by this initiative?
Carers who receive an income support payment (other than Carer Payment) and Carer Allowance (16 years or over) who are not entitled to a bereavement payment following the death of the person they are caring for.
Who will not be affected by this initiative?
- Carers who receive Carer Allowance (16 years or over) and are not in receipt of an income support payment
- Carers who receive Carer Allowance and Carer Payment (16 years or over).
Is it a new initiative that will affect existing Portfolio customers or people? If so, how will they be affected?
Yes. Carers who receive an income support payment (other than Carer Payment) and Carer Allowance (16 years or over) will now qualify for a Bereavement Payment upon the death of the person they were caring for.
When will the changes be implemented?
These changes will take effect from 1 July 2012.
How will I know if I am eligible for this measure?
This payment will be paid automatically to eligible carers.
Do I need to do anything?
You don't have to do anything. Bereavement payments will be automatically paid into the account of eligible carers upon the death of the person they were caring for.
If I am eligible for this initiative, will there be changes to my obligations or any reporting requirements I currently have?
There are no changes to carers' obligations as a result of this change.
If this initiative involves a payment, when/how will it be paid?
The CA Bereavement Payment will be the equivalent of up to 14 weeks payment of CA. This payment will be paid as a lump sum.
[ return to top ]
Changes to Carer Supplement
Who will be affected by this initiative?
All carers in receipt of the following income support payments:
- Carer Payment
- Wife Pension (Age) with Carer Allowance
- Wife Pension (DSP) with Carer Allowance
- DVA Carer Service Pension
- DVA Partner Service Pension with Carer Allowance.
Who will not be affected by this initiative?
Carers who are not in receipt of an income support payment will not be affected.
Is it a new initiative that will affect existing Portfolio customers or people? If so, how will they be affected?
Yes. This initiative will affect carers whose income support payment has been reduced to nil. Carers whose income support payment has been reduced to nil will now qualify for the annual Carer Supplement.
When will the changes be implemented?
These changes will take effect from 1 July 2012.
How will I know if I am eligible for this initiative?
Centrelink will notify all customers who qualify for a Carer Supplement.
Do I need to do anything?
No. Centrelink will automatically make the payment into the account of eligible carers.
If I am eligible for this initiative, will there be changes to my obligations or any reporting requirements I currently have?
No. Centrelink will automatically make the payment into the account of eligible carers.
[ return to top ]
Extension of Carer Adjustment Payment
Who will be affected by this initiative?
Families will be eligible for assistance through the CAP where:
- the child, aged 0-6 years, is diagnosed with a major disability due to accidental injury, or a severe illness;
- the child has significant care requirements – ie requires full-time care from the carer for a minimum of 2-3 months following the incident;
- the child's carer qualifies for Carer Allowance in respect of the child;
- the carer is not eligible for Carer Payment;
- the family is not already receiving an income support payment; and
- the carer is able to demonstrate a very strong need for financial support during the adjustment period immediately following the catastrophic event.
Can I apply for the Carer Adjustment Payment if I am receiving a Centrelink payment?
If you are receiving Carer Allowance or Family Tax Benefit only you can apply for Carer Adjustment Payment. If you are receiving an income support payment such as Carer Payment or Newstart Allowance you will not be eligible for the Carer Adjustment Payment.
Will I have reporting obligations if I get a Carer Adjustment Payment?
There are no reporting obligations for the Carer Adjustment Payment.
[ return to top ]