Carer Allowance is a Social Security payment paid by Centrelink to people who care for a “disabled adult”. In order for the carer to receive Carer Allowance, both the carer and the care receiver (the caree) must satisfy certain rules. There is no income test or assets test for Carer Allowance and the allowance is not taxable.
To qualify for Carer Allowance (adult) the caree must;
- be an Australian resident;
- be a family member of the person providing the care (in some cases a person other than a family member can qualify);
- receive care in their home;
- pass an Adult Disability Assessment Tool; and
- receive care and attention from the carer on a daily basis because of a disability.
The disability definition is wide ranging and can take many forms.
Rate of payment
The fortnightly rate of Carer Allowance is currently $92.40 per fortnight or $2,409 per annum.
Claiming Carer Allowance (adult)
To receive Carer Allowance (adult), the carer must complete a Centrelink claim form. The carer and the caree’s doctor or other health professional worker must complete the Adult Disability Assessment Tool questionnaire.
In most instances, the health professional is well aware of the caree’s condition and can complete the form in a few minutes.
In cases where the disability suffered by the caree is due to an “acute onset”, the claim for Carer Allowance can be backdated six months. In other cases payment starts from the date of claim. Applicants do not generally have to attend a Centrelink office to submit a claim for the allowance.
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Source: London Partner Vic Pty Ltd 2007