Carer Payment income and assets tests

Carer Payment is subject to an income test and assets test depending on whether you are a carer or a person being cared for.

Special care receiver income and assets tests apply if the person being cared for does not receive an income support payment or pension from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Note: You can work, volunteer, or study and train for up to 25 hours a week (including time taken to travel) and still be eligible for Carer Payment. Any income you receive may affect your rate of payment.

The following income and assets tests are effective from 1 January 2010.

Income test - carer

• Refer to income test for pensions

Assets test - carer

• Refer to assets test for homeowners if you are buying or own your own home
• Refer to assets test for non-homeowners if you are renting or boarding
• Hardship provisions may apply

Income test - person being cared for

• Refer to income test for pensions
• Refer to special care receiver income test if the person being cared for does not receive an income support payment or service pension

Assets test - person being cared for

• Refer to assets test for homeowners if the person is buying or owns their own home
• Refer to assets test for non-homeowners if the person is renting or boarding
• Refer to special care receiver assets test if the person does not receive an income support payment or service pension

More information

• Assets
• Income
• Carer Payment (caring for a person 16 years or over) section
• Carer Payment (caring for a child under 16 years) section