Navigating the journey of aged care can often be a challenging and emotional process, not only for those requiring care but also for their families. In Australia, the Carers Payment serves as a crucial support system, providing financial aid to individuals who give constant care to someone with severe health conditions or disabilities.
What is Carer Payment for Aged Care?
Carer Payment for aged care in Australia is a form of financial assistance provided by the government to individuals who offer full-time care to someone elderly in need of significant support due to illness, disability, or frailty. This payment is designed to help carers manage the cost of living while they dedicate time and resources to provide substantial and ongoing care. To be eligible for the Carer Payment, certain criteria must be met, including the level of care provided, the care recipient’s health condition, and the financial situation of the carer.
What is the Difference Between Carer Payment and Carer Allowance?
The Carer Payment and Carer Allowance are two distinct forms of financial assistance provided to carers, but they serve different purposes and have different eligibility criteria.
The Carer Payment is a fortnightly payment intended for those who provide full-time care to someone with a disability, severe illness, or who is frail aged. To be eligible for this payment, carers must meet an income and assets test, and the person they care for must meet a minimum disability score assessed through relevant assessment tools. Carers receiving this payment must not be employed, in education, or volunteering for more than 25 hours a week. The Carer Payment is a more substantial benefit, up to $1,064 fortnightly for individuals, with higher rates for couples. It’s designed to help carers meet their basic costs of living and is scaled based on the carer’s and their partner’s income.
On the other hand, the Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment of $144.80 per fortnight, provided to carers who offer daily care and assistance to someone with a disability, medical condition or who is frail aged. This allowance is available to everyone on the Carer Payment but can also be received by other carers who meet the criteria of providing daily care and have a household income under $250,000 per year. The Carer Allowance is designed to assist with the additional costs of caring on top of the usual costs of daily living.
How Much is Carer Payment and Allowance?
Exactly how much is Carer’s Payment?
The Carer Payment amount varies depending on individual circumstances, such as income and assets, and whether the carer is single or part of a couple. As of early 2024, the maximum fortnightly payment rate for a single person is approximately $1,064. For couples, the rate is higher but varies depending on the couple’s combined income and assets.
When figuring out how much a Carer’s Payment is, it’s important to note that these amounts are subject to change and can be adjusted based on cost of living and other factors. Additionally, the actual amount a carer receives may be less than the maximum rate, depending on their income and assets, as determined by the income and assets test.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on how much Carer’s Payment in Australia is, it’s recommended to visit the official Services Australia website or contact them directly.
Eligibility Criteria for Carer Payment
To be eligible for the Carer Payment, several criteria must be met by the carer and the person receiving care. Carer’s Payment eligibility criteria include:
- Relationship and Residency: The carer must be an Australian resident and in Australia when the claim is made. Generally, the person receiving care must also be an Australian resident.
- Income and Assets Test: The carer’s income and assets are subject to an assessment. The Carer Payment is means-tested, which means the amount received depends on the carer’s financial situation.
- Level of Care Provided: The carer must provide constant care in the home of the person needing care or in the carer’s home. The care provided should be substantial and ongoing.
- Care Recipient’s Condition: The person receiving care must have a physical, psychological or psychiatric condition and need significant care and attention on a daily basis. They must either be assessed through the Adult Disability Assessment Tool (ADAT) or a Carer Needs Assessment for a child under the age of 16.
- Work, Education and Volunteering Restrictions: Carers are generally not able to engage in full-time work, education or extensive volunteer activities. Typically, they must not be engaged in these activities for more than 25 hours a week, including travel time.
- Other Specific Conditions: In some cases, special circumstances are considered, such as caring for a child with severe disabilities or multiple children with additional needs.
When does Carer Payment Stop?
The Carer Payment may stop or vary under several circumstances. It can be affected if the carer:
- Provides care for less than 25 hours per week due to work, education or volunteering.
- Exceeds 63 days of temporary cessation of care.
- Ceases to qualify during a temporary overseas trip, which must not exceed 6 weeks.
- Is imprisoned.
For the care receiver, the Carer Payment may stop if they:
- Are temporarily admitted to an institution for longer than allowed.
- Are permanently admitted to an institution or hospital providing personal care.
- Recover significantly or pass away.
How to Apply for Carer Payment
Applying for the Carer Payment in Australia involves several steps:
- Complete the Claim Form: The Carer Payment claim form is available online at the Services Australia website or can be obtained from a Centrelink office. The form requires detailed information about the care situation, financial status and other relevant details.
- Submit Medical and Assessment Reports: Along with the claim form, you’ll need to submit medical reports and assessment forms that verify the care recipient’s need for care.
- Submit the Claim: The completed claim form and all supporting documents can be submitted online through the myGov website, by mail or in person at a Centrelink service centre.
- Wait for Assessment: After submission, Services Australia will assess the claim, which may include a review of the provided documents and possibly additional information requests.
- Outcome Notification: Services Australia will notify you of the outcome of your claim. If approved, they will inform you of the payment amount and when it will start. If your claim is not approved, they will provide reasons and information about your right to appeal the decision.
Additional Resources and Support for Caregivers
Having the right resources at your disposal can make all the difference when caring for a loved one. Here are some additional resources and support options for caregivers:
- Carer Gateway: A national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers.
- Carers Australia: Offers advice, counselling and support for carers, including advocacy and representation.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): Provides information and support for carers of people with a disability.
- My Aged Care: Offers information on services and support for carers of older Australians.
- Mental Health Carers Support: Tailored support for carers of people with mental health issues.
- Services Australia: Information on financial support options for carers, including Carer Payment and Carer Allowance.
- Community Support Groups: Local support groups for carers to connect, share experiences, and access peer support.
Should You Consider Residential Aged Care?
The decision as to whether you should consider residential aged care ultimately hinges on the carer’s capacity to provide ongoing care and their finances. The increasing demands of caregiving, especially in cases where the care recipient has advanced health and medical needs, can become overwhelming. Additionally, safety concerns play a significant role in this decision as a house setting may not be equipped with the necessary safety equipment.
In residential aged care, there is a structured environment that may better suit the needs of individuals requiring specialised medical attention and support. These facilities provide comprehensive care plans, including medication management, regular health assessments and assistance with daily living activities, tailored to the individual’s specific needs. The transition into residential aged care can often be difficult, so it’s important that you approach the topic with your loved one thoughtfully so you can make a mutual decision.
Aurrum is a leading residential aged care provider in Victoria and New South Wales. If you’d like to discuss your options, including respite care, get in touch with us today for personalised advice.