To be eligible you must provide constant care to someone in that person's home (it doesn't matter whether they're a relative or not). Constant care means regular and frequent care, but not 24-hour, non-stop care. It also includes supervision (especially for people with intellectual or psychiatric disabilities).

The person being cared for must be an adult who:

If a disabled adult receives an ADAT score of at least 80 then two people may receive Carer Payment.

Carer Payment may also be paid for a child, if the child is a 'profoundly disabled child' as described in the Social Security Act. Payment may also be made for two children who together meet the profoundly disabled criteria.

If you are caring for a person (child or adult) who is not on a Social Security or Veteran's Affairs payment, they have to meet a special income and assets test. You also have to meet the income and assets test.

If you meet the care requirements for the payment, you can work for up to 20 hours per week and still get the payment (subject to the income and assets tests). You are also allowed up to 63 days per calendar year each for respite and hospitalisation.

As a carer, you may also be eligible for an extra Carer Allowance, as well as Carer Payment, another social security payment, or wages. There is no income and assets test for Carer Allowance.

The person you are caring for will have to have a 'recognised disability' or a score under the CDAT (for children) or the ADAT.

To receive Carer Allowance, you must live with the person you are caring for. To apply just ask at your local Centrelink office.