Recent changes to Carer Pensions in Australia will make it easier for people to be carers by giving them better access to financial support. Since March 1996, the carer pension is available to people who are caring for someone who does not get a social security or veterans pension or benefit. Previously the person being cared for needed to be receiving a pension or benefit in order for their carer to qualify for a pension. Under the new arrangements the person being cared for must still meet an income and assets test.

Carers will also be able to continue to receive a carer pension for 14 weeks after the person they had been caring for moves into an institution such as a nursing home. Previously this adjustment period was only available where the person being cared for had died.

From March 1996, carers will no longer have to live in a house nearby or in the same house as the person being cared for in order to receive a carer pension. If the person being cared for receives a pension or benefit and moves from their home to move in with their carer, they will now be eligible for Rent Assistance. Similarly, someone who moves to the house of the person they are caring for so that they can better care for them, will also be eligible for Rent Assistance. Rent Assistance is an additional payment available to people who are renting privately. It is not available to people living in their own home.

Reference: Social Security Legislation Amendment (Carer Pension and Other Measures) Act 1995 (No. 143 of 1995)

Legislation date: 1995

Implementation date: 21.03.1996