Payment rate
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What you can get
This payment rate of Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years) is effective from 1 January 2012.
You can get either:
- a fortnightly payment of $114.00 plus a Health Care Card for the child, or
- a Health Care Card for the child.
Which of these you receive depends on the level of functional disability of the child.
If you are receiving a Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years) payment on 1 July each year, you are also paid an annual:
- Child Disability Assistance payment of up to $1,000 to help you with the costs of caring for a child with a disability, and
- Carer Supplement of up to $600 for each child in your care who qualifies you for Carer Allowance.
Back payment
In some circumstances, you may qualify for back payment of Carer Allowance for up to 12 weeks before you lodge your claim.
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Income and assets
You do not have to meet income or assets tests to receive Carer Allowance.
Shared care
If you share the caring role with someone who is not your partner, you may both be eligible for some Carer Allowance.
Tax
You do not have to pay tax on Carer Allowance, Child Disability Assistance or Carer Supplement.
Payment adjustments and reviews
Carer Allowance is usually adjusted on 1 January each year in line with the Consumer Price Index—that is, in line with increases in the costs of living.
From time to time, your Carer Allowance is reviewed. The amount you receive may be adjusted because the circumstances of you or the child you care for have changed—for example, another person also provides care or the child stops needing your care.
The child you care for may be required to have a medical review on reaching developmental milestones. If the child's disability or condition is on the list of recognised disabilities, they may be required to have a medical review at a particular age, or after a specific period or treatment.
More information
- A guide to Australian Government payments booklet
- Disability and Carer payment rates factsheet
- Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years) section
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