Can I get Carer Payment and Carer Allowance together?

The short answer

Yes. Carer Payment and Carer Allowance are separate payments, and you can receive both at the same time if you meet the rules for each. They are not the same payment, and getting one does not stop you getting the other. You do need to qualify for each on its own.

Sources
Services Australia, Carer Payment
Services Australia, Carer Allowance

Why you can hold both

Carer Payment is an income support payment for carers who cannot work much because of their caring role. Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment for daily care and is paid on top of other payments. Because they do different jobs, Services Australia allows eligible carers to receive both at the same time.

Qualifying for each

For Carer Payment you generally need to give constant care and pass an income test and an assets test. For Carer Allowance you need to provide daily care and stay under the family income limit, but there is no assets test. You may qualify for both, for only one, or for neither, depending on your situation and the person you care for.

How to claim

You can claim both through your Centrelink online account via myGov, or by contacting Services Australia. It is worth checking both even if you are unsure, because the tests are different and you might be eligible for one when you are not eligible for the other.

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