Claiming
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When to claim
You can register an intent to claim for Carer Allowance (caring for a person 16 years or over) as soon as possible.
You should then submit your claim for Carer Allowance within 14 days so that we can pay you from the earliest possible date.
Claim forms to complete
The following steps will help you obtain a claim form to suit your personal circumstances.
Step 1
Contact Centrelink on 13 2717 or visit a Centrelink Customer Service Centre and our staff will ask you some questions to determine your circumstances and issue you with the appropriate claim forms.
Step 2
Read the information attached to your claim form. This contains important information you need to know, including the privacy notice, before you lodge your claim for Carer Allowance.
Returning your forms
Step 3
Return your completed forms, proof of identity for yourself, your partner (if you have one) and for the person being cared for, medical reports and any other documents we have asked for to your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre.
Note: To authorise a person to act on your behalf when dealing with Centrelink, or who can receive your payments, refer to someone to deal with Centrelink for you.
Claim outcome
We will send you a letter advising if your claim is successful. If you are eligible for Carer Allowance, the letter will tell you when your payment starts and how much you will get paid.
If you disagree with a decision we make
You always have the right to appeal any decision made by Centrelink.
More information
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