Carer Allowance is $162.60 a fortnight in 2026. It isn't taxable, there's no assets test, and you can get it if your and your partner's combined adjusted taxable income is under $250,000 a year.
Key facts
- Carer Allowance is $162.60 a fortnight; the rate changes each 1 January.
- Income test: you and your partner's combined adjusted taxable income must be under $250,000 a year. There's no assets test.
- It isn't taxable, and it can be paid on top of Carer Payment or a wage.
- If you care for someone under 16, you also get a Health Care Card for them.
- You also get Carer Supplement each year, and Child Disability Assistance Payment if you care for a child.
Rate and income test
Carer Allowance 2026
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rate | $162.60 a fortnight |
| Combined family income limit | Under $250,000 a year (adjusted taxable income) |
| Assets test | None |
If you share care with another carer who isn't your partner and they also claim, you each get part of it based on your share of care.
Who can get it
You need to meet residence rules and give daily care and attention to someone with a disability, illness or who is frail aged, in their home or yours. The person you care for doesn't have an income test.
See also: Carer Payment rates.
Common questions
How much is Carer Allowance?
$162.60 a fortnight in 2026. It isn't taxable.
Is Carer Allowance income tested?
Only by a family income limit: your and your partner's combined adjusted taxable income must be under $250,000 a year. There's no assets test.
Can I get Carer Allowance and work?
Yes. Your work income doesn't change the rate as long as family income is under $250,000 a year.
Other payments: JobSeeker · Youth Allowance & Austudy · Parenting Payment · DSP · Carer Payment · Family Tax Benefit · Parental Leave Pay · Concession cards · Pensioner Concession Card · Medicare Safety Net · Advance payment · Crisis Payment · Deeming rates · Newborn payments · Age Pension · Rent Assistance. Back to all Centrelink payment rates.
Source: Services Australia, How much Carer Allowance you can get, Who can get Carer Allowance (pages last updated 16 June 2026). Checked 21 October 2026. General information only; Services Australia works out your actual payment.