As part of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package announced in the 2009-10 Budget, the Government introduced the new Carer Supplement.
Carer Supplement is an annual $600 payment and is paid to recipients of Carer Allowance for each person being cared for. An additional $600 Carer Supplement is paid to:
- recipients of Carer Payment;
- recipients of both Wife Pension and Carer Allowance;
- recipients of both Department of Veterans' Affairs Partner Service Pension and Carer Allowance; and
- recipients of Department of Veterans' Affairs Carer Service pension.
If an individual is in receipt of both Carer Allowance and Carer Payment, Wife Pension, DVA Service Pension or a DVA Carer Service pension, they qualify for two or more Carer Supplement payments.
The first payments of Carer Supplement were made in June 2009. Future payments of Carer Supplement will be paid to those who are receiving Carer Payment and/or Carer Allowance on 1 July each year, starting from 1 July 2010.
The Carer Supplement is paid in addition to a person's fortnightly Carer Allowance entitlement, and in addition to any fortnightly income support payment they receive.
For Carer Allowance recipients where more than one carer is sharing the care of one person, the Carer Supplement is shared in the same circumstances and paid in the same ratios as Carer Allowance under existing arrangements. For recipients living in income managed locations, the Carer Supplement is income managed.
To find out more about the Carer Supplement Payment and your eligibility for this payment:
- visit your nearest Centrelink office
- telephone 132 717, or
- visit the Benefits and Payments page or visit Centrelink's website.