Carer Payment

Changes to the Carer Payment from 20 March 2025

The Australian Government recently made changes to the Carer Payment. These changes took effect on 20 March 2025.

They aimed to reduce barriers to employment for carers receiving the Carer Payment and support them in re-entering the paid workforce.

The changes applied to the participation rules known informally as the ‘25-hour rule’ and temporary cessation of care (TCC) days.

Previously, carers receiving the Carer Payment were limited to 25 hours of participation per week. This included work, education, or volunteer activities, as well as travel to and from these activities.

From 20 March 2025:

• Carer Payment recipients were able to work up to 100 hours over a four-week period.
• Travel time, education, and volunteering activities no longer counted as part of the working 100 hours.
• The Carer Payment was suspended for up to six months (rather than cancelled) when a carer exceeded 100 hours of work in four weeks or earned more than the income test allowed.

What do I need to do?

You do not need to do anything if you are not currently working. If you are working, you will still need to report the hours you spend away from your caring role, but you won't have to report travel time, training/study or volunteering.

More information on the changes is available on the Services Australia website.

What is Carer Payment? 

An income support payment if you give constant care to someone with a disability or a medical condition, or an adult who’s frail aged.

Unpaid carers may get access to the carer payment to help them provide constant care to someone who needs care for at least 6 months or the rest of their life.

The Carer Payment is administered by Services Australia, a Federal Government agency.

Further Information, Eligibility and Payment Rate

For the most up to date information on Carer Payment, please visit Services Australia website. There are different rates of Carer Payment, refer to the Carer Payment rates page here.