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Carer Allowance for a child: could your family get it?

Check the main rules, see what needs confirming and find your next step. Services Australia assesses the care you provide and decides your claim.

Your answers stay in this tab and are not saved by this tool. Rate checked ; guidance updated 25 October 2026.

How old is your child?
Does your child need extra daily care because of disability or a medical condition?

Think about the help you give compared with other children the same age. Services Australia assesses care needs; this answer cannot determine the payment or card outcome.

How care needs are assessed

Is that care need expected to last at least 12 months, or does your child have a terminal medical condition?
Do you provide that care in your home or your child’s home?
Is your and your partner’s combined adjusted taxable income under $250,000 a financial year?

If you do not have a partner, use your own adjusted taxable income. This is not always the same as salary or taxable income. Some existing payments or concession cards mean the income test does not apply; check the official guidance if that may be you.

What counts as adjusted taxable income

Do both you and your child meet the Carer Allowance residence rules?

Both of you must live in Australia as Australian residents. You must also be physically in Australia when you claim. Check the official definition if your visa or residence status is uncertain.

Check the residence rules for both of you

Could a newly arrived resident’s waiting period apply to you?

If you recently arrived as an Australian resident, you may have to wait one year for Carer Allowance. Exemptions can apply. If you are unsure, choose “I’m not sure”.

Check waiting periods and exemptions

Official sources

Checked against these pages on .

This is general information to help you prepare, not financial, legal or NDIS eligibility advice. Services Australia and the NDIA make every decision, and their rules change, so check the official pages linked here before you apply.

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