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  • Individuals  >  Payments  > 
  • Carer Adjustment Payment
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Carer Adjustment Payment

On this page
  • Eligibility
  • Claiming
  • Find out more

Eligibilty

Carer Adjustment Payment is a one-off, non-taxable payment to help families to adjust following a catastrophic event when a child aged 0–6 years is diagnosed with a severe illness, medical condition or a major disability.

You may be eligible to receive Carer Adjustment Payment if:

  • following the catastrophic event, you need to care for the child full-time for a minimum of 2 months, and
  • you qualify for Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years) for the child, and
  • you are not eligible for Carer Payment (caring for a child under 16 years) for the child, and
  • you and your partner are not eligible for an income support payment, and
  • you have a very strong need for financial support immediately after the catastrophic event, and
  • the child is aged 0–6 years.

Examples of catastrophic events may include (but are not limited to):

  • car accident
  • childhood stroke
  • diagnosis of a serious or severe illness such as childhood cancer
  • fall
  • fire
  • poisoning
  • near drowning, or
  • other type of accident.

Note: Carer Adjustment Payment is not available after 30 June 2011.

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Claiming

For a Carer Adjustment Payment claim form you can:

  • print out the Carer Adjustment Payment form
  • phone us on 13 2717
  • visit your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre

You will need to attach any documents you have which may support your claim.

Once you submit your claim you will also need to provide proof of identity.

Outcome of your claim

Your application will be considered on a case-by-case basis by an independent panel.

We will send you a letter telling you the outcome of your claim, and how much you will be paid if you are successful.

The amount you get paid depends on your family’s individual circumstances.

The maximum amount of Carer Adjustment Payment any family can receive is $10,000 for each child in a single catastrophic event.

The payment is not taxable.

Note: Carer Adjustment Payment is not available after 30 June 2011.


Find out more

More information and contact details for Carer Adjustment Payment:

On this website

  • Caring section
  • Legislation for Centrelink payments section

On the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website:

  • Carer Adjustment Payment section

Publications

  • Caring for someone? booklet
  • Centrelink—the basics booklet
  • Other publications if you are caring for frail aged, ill or disabled persons

Contact us

  • send us a secure online message
  • phone us on 13 2717
  • if you have a hearing or speech impairment phone the free TTY service on Freecall™1800 810 586
  • find your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre

Explore www.centrelink.gov.au

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  • illness or disability
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  • self employed or farmer
  • services
  • studying or training

Businesses

  • centrepay
  • childcare providers
  • Centrelink confirmation eServices
  • employer FAQs
  • employer info

Community groups

Indigenous Australians

  • ABSTUDY
  • programs
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We speak your language

International

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  • international services
  • leaving Australia permanently
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Community recovery

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  • Centrelink ABN: 29 468 422 437
  • Page last updated: 14 May 2010