Carer payment rates for 2026: what each payment is worth
What each national carer payment is worth right now, in one table. Services Australia decides who gets each payment and how much.
Rates for 20 September to 31 December 2026, checked . Carer Allowance changes on 1 January 2027 and Carer Payment on 20 March 2027.
| Payment | Rate | When it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Carer AllowanceFor each eligible child you care for. Your combined adjusted taxable income must be under $250,000 a year. There is no assets test. | $162.60a fortnight | Indexed each 1 January |
| Carer Payment, singleThe basic rate is $1,135.40. The typical total adds the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement. Carer Payment is for constant care, and income and assets tests apply to you and to the person you care for. | $1,237.70a fortnight, typical total | Indexed each 20 March and 20 September |
| Carer Payment, each member of a coupleThe basic rate is $855.90 each. | $933.00a fortnight, typical total | Indexed each 20 March and 20 September |
| Carer SupplementPaid automatically if you receive Carer Allowance or Carer Payment for 1 July: one instalment for each person you get Carer Allowance for, and another if you get Carer Payment. A part rate may apply when care is shared. | $600a year, for each instalment | Not indexed |
| Child Disability Assistance PaymentPaid automatically if you receive Carer Allowance for a child under 16 for 1 July. There is no income or assets test. A part rate may apply when care is shared. | $1,000a year, for each child | Paid once a year |
| Essential Medical Equipment PaymentHelps with extra home energy costs from eligible medical equipment, or a condition that needs extra heating or cooling. You need a concession card and must contribute to the energy account. | $203.00a year, for each eligible piece of equipment | Indexed each 1 July |
“Typical total” is the amount most people receive, as published by Services Australia. Your own rate depends on your income, assets and circumstances.
Check Carer Allowance for your childSee all payments and supports
Official sources
Checked against these pages on .
- Services Australia: A guide to Australian Government payments, 20 September to 31 December 2026 (PDF)
- Services Australia: How much Carer Allowance you can get
- Services Australia: How much Carer Payment you can get
- Services Australia: Carer Supplement amounts
- Services Australia: Child Disability Assistance Payment
- Services Australia: Essential Medical Equipment Payment
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.