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Government Support Services For Carers Of Dementia Patients
There’s a lot of support out there – you just need to know where to look!
As well as providing subsidies for people who are living with dementia, the federal government also provides benefits and support for carers of people with dementia. So if you care for a family member or a friend who is living with dementia, it is likely that you’re eligible for some financial assistance.
Types Of Payment For Carers
There are a number of different types of payments available, depending on individual circumstances. The three most common for carers of people with dementia are the Carer Payment, Carer Allowance and Carer Supplement.
Carer Payment
This provides income support if you are unable to work because of the demands of your caring role. You might qualify if you provide constant care for someone with dementia in a private home and you aren’t apart from them for more than 25 hours a week to work. The carer payment is means-tested.
There are different rates of Carer Payment for single people and couples. The payment rates change twice a year to keep up with the cost of living.
| Pension rates per fortnight | Single | Couple each | Couple combined | Couple separated due to ill health |
| Maximum basic rate | $971.50 | $732.30 | $1,464.60 | $971.50 |
| Maximum pension supplement | $78.40 | $59.10 | $118.20 | $78.40 |
| Energy supplement | $14.10 | $10.60 | $21.20 | $14.10 |
| Total | $1064.00 | $802.00 | $1,604.00 | $1064.00 |
The Department of Social Services review payment rates on 20 March and 20 September each year.
Carer Allowance
This is a fortnightly income supplement for carers providing additional daily care and attention. You might qualify if you care for someone with dementia even if you work or study. There are no income or assets tests for the Carer Allowance. The payment is currently $131.90 a fortnight and the rate changes on 1 January each year to keep up with the cost of living.
Carer Supplement
This is an annual lump sum to assist with the cost of caring for a person. It is paid in addition to the Carer Payment or Carer Allowance, and you need to be in receipt of the Carer Payment or Carer Allowance to receive it. You don’t need to apply for it, the government will automatically pay it if you’re receiving the other two supplements.
The supplement is a fixed rate of $600 each year for each eligible payment – that means if you’re caring for both parents and receiving carer subsidies, you’re eligible for two Carer Supplement payments. If you are a part-time carer, you will get a part rate of the Carer Supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still receive payments if someone else provides care while I have a break, or the person I provide care for goes into hospital?
Yes, with the Carer Payment and Carer Allowance you are entitled to 63 days of respite each calendar year without your payment stopping. These days can be used however you wish, whether for a holiday or simply to take a break, and during this time the person you care for may be in formal respite care, remain at home, or be looked after informally by a friend, neighbour, or family member. You can also continue to receive your payments for up to 63 days each year if the person you care for is in hospital, provided you keep caring for them while they are admitted, they are expected to return to your care once discharged, and you plan to continue providing care after they leave hospital.
Will a change of circumstances lead changes in eligibility or the amount of money I receive?
Possibly. You must inform the Department of Human Services if your circumstances change, such as when you stop providing care, begin sharing care with someone else, marry or change your living arrangements with the person you care for, receive more income, experience changes in your assets or investments, move house, go to live outside Australia, travel overseas for a holiday, or increase the amount of work or study you do. You also need to notify the department if the person you care for requires less support, goes into someone else’s care, enters respite care or hospital, begins receiving support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, moves overseas, or travels abroad for a holiday.
Need a little more support?
Caring for someone can at times be an overwhelming task, particularly in the midst of a pandemic. It’s okay to ask for some extra help, you deserve it!
If you’re looking for additional care and support for your loved one, it’s important that you take time to consider the options. Home Care is one of those options so if you haven’t already, apply for a Support at Home Package. For many people with dementia, continuing to live in their own, familiar environment will be the best tonic for them.
CareAbout will help to find you a quality Support at Home Care provider with staff who are trained specifically in dementia-care and who will take great care of your loved one.