The $320 Monthly Carer Allowance in Australia provides essential support to individuals caring for someone with a disability, medical condition, or aged-related frailty. This non‑taxable fortnightly payment helps ease the financial burden on carers by acknowledging the time and effort required for daily caregiving.
Whether you support an elderly parent or a child with significant care needs, this allowance delivers timely relief.
What Is the Carer Allowance?
- Purpose: A supplementary payment for those providing daily care and attention to another person due to disability, illness, or frailty, lasting at least 12 months or a terminal condition.
- Rate (2025): $159.30 per fortnight (≈ $320 per month), reviewed on 1 January each year.
- Tax Treatment: Non‑taxable and not income‑tested against the person being cared for, although the carer’s income must be under $250,000 combined per year with a partner.
- Payment Sharing: If caregiving duties are shared, payments may be split proportionally based on hours of care provided per fortnight.
Payment Schedule
| Frequency | Payment Amount | Monthly Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnightly | $159.30 | $346 |
| Monthly | — | ≈ $320 |
Note: Carer Allowance payments are deposited every two weeks. Guardians and foster carers receive additional annual payments like the Carer Supplement ($600) and Child Disability Assistance ($1,000) for eligible cases.
Who Is Eligible?
1. Caregiver Criteria
- Australian resident, linked to Centrelink/myGov.
- Provide daily personal care and attention in your home or the care receiver’s home.
- Care recipient must require care for a minimum of 12 months or have a terminal illness.
2. Care Receiver Conditions
- Must have a disability, medical condition, or be frail-aged needing daily attention.
- For adults (16+), caregiver must provide 20+ hours of care weekly if living separately.
- If caring for a child under 16, ensure daily care needs are met.
3. Financial
- There is no assets test, but combined carer (and partner) income must remain below $250,000/year.
How to Claim the $320 Carer Allowance
- Create myGov account and link it to your Centrelink profile.
- Prepare documentation:
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport, licence)
- Evidence of caregiving (medical forms, doctors’ certificates)
- Financial details (income, partnership status)
- Bank account information
- Submit claim via Centrelink online or call Disability, Sickness and Carers line.
- Provide supporting details: Centrelink may request additional information or forms.
- Receive payment: Upon approval, allowance is paid fortnightly by direct deposit.
Key Features & Extras
- Income & Assets: No limit on assets. Income test applies only to carer and partner.
- Shared Carers: Payment can be divided based on contributed care time.
- Health Care Card (dependents): Carers of children under 16 get a Health Care Card for concessions.
- Breaks & Respite: You may still receive allowance while caregiving responsibilities are shared or during respite.
- Annual Carer Supplement ($600): Paid automatically in July to those receiving the Allowance.
- Additional Payments: Child Disability Assistance ($1,000 annually) is available for carers of eligible children under 16.
The $320 monthly Carer Allowance plays a vital role in supporting unpaid carers across Australia. By meeting simple eligibility criteria—providing sustained care, staying under the income threshold, and managing shared caregiving—you can access a reliable financial supplement.
The process is straightforward: sign up on myGov, complete the claim with documentation, and receive fortnightly payments. Additional benefits like the Carer Supplement and Health Care Card further support your caregiving role throughout the year.
To secure this essential assistance, apply today and focus on what matters most: caring with confidence and peace of mind.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $320 monthly allowance?
Carers providing daily attention to someone with ongoing care needs (disability, illness, terminal, or aged frailty), earning under $250,000 (joint income if partnered).
Can I receive it if my partner cares for someone too?
Yes—if caregiving duties are shared, payments are split according to care hours provided each fortnight.
Do I need to reapply each year?
No, but Centrelink may request income reviews annually to ensure ongoing eligibility.