Thousands of Australians are set to receive a financial boost as the government announces a new supplement aimed at supporting carers across the nation.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide relief and recognition for the invaluable work carers do daily.

The supplement, due to roll out soon, promises to offer much-needed assistance, ensuring carers can continue to provide essential care and support to their loved ones. Read on to find all the details on who is eligible and how to access this significant financial aid.

Services Australia announced on Wednesday, June 19, that a substantial financial boost is coming for those who dedicate their time to caring for others.

The Carer Supplement, an annual payment designed to support carers in their invaluable roles, will be automatically deposited into the bank accounts of eligible recipients between July 3 and August 2.

Australian carers will receive a $600 Carer Supplement from Centrelink in July. Credits: Shutterstock

This $600 Carer Supplement is a welcome addition to the ongoing Centrelink payments that many carers rely on.

According to government data, this includes the Carer Payment, which offers financial support to over 300,000 Australians who, ‘because of the demands of their caring role, are unable to support themselves through substantial paid employment’.

Additionally, it will enhance the Carer Allowance, which can be received alongside other income support payments.

This allowance is provided to over 640,000 carers who ‘provide daily care and attention at home for a person with a disability, severe medical condition or who is frail and aged’.

Furthermore, the payment will also benefit recipients of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Partner Service Pension and Carer Allowance and those receiving the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Carer Service Pension.

However, Services Australia confirmed that not every individual listed in the government datasets will qualify for the Carer Supplement.

‘How much you get depends on the percentage of care you provide,’ Services Australia explained.

‘You’ll get a Carer Supplement for each eligible payment you get. For example, if you get a Carer Payment and a Carer Allowance, you’ll get two Carer Supplements.’

For example, a recipient who receives a single Caregiver Payment for their two children, along with two Caregiver Allowance payments, would receive up to $1800 from three Caregiver Supplement payments.

Meanwhile, carers who share the responsibility and receive a partial payment will also get a portion of the Carer Supplement based on the level of care they provide.

‘This payment doesn’t add to your taxable income,’ Services Australia added.

With the recent announcement of the Carer Supplement providing much-needed support to carers, another wave of financial relief is on the horizon for Australian pensioners.

As we look ahead to July, the upcoming indexation will deliver a cash boost to pensioners, ensuring they receive additional financial support.

This indexation adjustment is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to assist those who rely on pension payments, further alleviating financial pressures and enhancing their quality of life.

Key Takeaways

• Australian carers are set to receive a $600 Carer Supplement from Centrelink in July.
• The supplement will be paid to eligible recipients for each of the carer payments they receive, including the Carer Payment and Carer Allowance.
• The payment will also go to certain Department of Veterans’ Affairs pension recipients.
• The Carer Supplement does not add to taxable income and varies depending on the percentage of care provided.

Have you checked your eligibility and ensured that you receive the financial support you deserve? What additional help do you think the government can provide to our members? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[ECassidy]

The $600 carer payment in July is not new, Hubby has been receiving it for years

 

[Noaddedsugar]

New???

 

[Doogs61]

And for those singles that have severe health problems and no help available get nothing ???

 

[MHM1962]

And for those singles that have severe health problems and no help available get nothing ???

You don't have to be part of a couple to get the carer allowance/supplement.

 

[Doogs61]

You don't have to be part of a couple to get the carer allowance/supplement.

Im single and live alone .... I would think that excludes me of getting a carer supplement

 

[Danny Hodges]

Pensioners deserve more money.

 

[KPortia]

Aged pensioners need help what’s wrong with this government they don’t seem to care about us living in poverty life shouldn’t be such a struggle at this age in such a wealthy country makes me so angry

 

[Denzil M]

The $600 carer payment in July is not new, Hubby has been receiving it for years

Exactly. This Government is making themselves look like the good guys saying it's a new thing they have brought in when it's been around for a long time.

 

[Suzanne rose]

This payment isn't new !! Why is it stating it is ?

 

[Luckyus]

But nothing for someone on the age pension who spends time caring for their partner.

 

[StarTrekker]

It has is been around for years. The old wife's pension got it when they received a carer allowance.

 

[Rita]

My husband , who is my carer, gets $1200 every July, ( gets carers pension and carers allowance)is this the same thing that they are telling us about or is it an extra bonus ??

 

[Rita]

But nothing for someone on the age pension who spends time caring for their partner.

They should apply for a carers pension and carers allowance..

 

[StarTrekker]

My husband , who is my carer, gets $1200 every July, ( gets carers pension and carers allowance)is this the same thing that they are telling us about or is it an extra bonus ??

It is the same thing, Labor is just taking credit for it this year.

 

[Chays]

The annoying thing is that you can be a carer for most of the year and if you cease being one just before this payment is paid you don't get it. It happened to me last year. I was a carer for about 15 years and stopped just before it was due last year, so it wasn't given to me. Not really a fair system. I still had the extra expenses and stress for the year. but because Mum died a couple of weeks short, you don't get it. But you do get told you have 13 weeks to find an alternate income. All while you are grieving.

 

[mylittletibbies]

And for those singles that have severe health problems and no help available get nothing ???

It isn't paid to the person needing care, it is paid to their carer.

 

[Bill MacL]

I care about myself but I get f--kall.

 

[Pop Thompson]

My wife has multiple health issues and I am her Carer. I receive $153 a fortnight as such. We are both Aged Pensioners and receive that pension. Are we entitled to any further payments?

 

[mylittletibbies]

The annoying thing is that you can be a carer for most of the year and if you cease being one just before this payment is paid you don't get it. It happened to me last year. I was a carer for about 15 years and stopped just before it was due last year, so it wasn't given to me. Not really a fair system. I still had the extra expenses and stress for the year. but because Mum died a couple of weeks short, you don't get it. But you do get told you have 13 weeks to find an alternate income. All while you are grieving.

That's strange. My husband passed away recently and I received the $600 yearly bonus along with a berievement payment into my account the same day that I reported it to Centrelink.