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We may still pay you Carer Payment if you do any of the following for up to 25 hours each week:
- paid or self-employed work
- volunteer work
- study
- training.
The 25 hours includes travel time to and from work. You must still provide care for a significant period each day.
You must tell us within 14 days if you:
- get paid or self-employment income
- start doing voluntary work, study or training.
Any income you get from a job can reduce the amount we pay you. Read more about employment income reporting.
If you have a job you may be able to get Working Credit. It increases how much you can earn before we start reducing your payments.
Changes to the 25 hour rule from 20 March 2025
From 20 March 2025, you can work up to 100 hours in a 4 week period instead of 25 hours per week. You must still provide care for a significant period each day.
The 100 hours will only include paid work, including self employment.
The 100 hours won’t include the following activities and you won’t need to report them:
- travel time to and from your paid work or self-employment
- study
- training
- volunteer work.
The 100 hours only includes time spent working where you are not providing care. This can include hours worked from home if you cannot stop working when the person you care for needs help.
If you temporarily work more than 100 hours, you may use respite days to keep your payment. We can suspend your payment for up to 6 months if you can’t use respite days.
You can keep your Pensioner Concession Card during your suspension period.
If your working hours reduce, you can contact us, and we’ll assess if we can restore your payment.
What you need to do
If you don’t work, you don’t need to do anything.
If you work, you still need to report the hours you spend away from the person you care for. You won’t have to report travel time, study, training or volunteering.
You need to let us know if your hours change.
Other changes to Carer Payment from 20 March 2025
There will be more times where Carer Payment can be suspended instead of cancelled.
We can suspend your payment for up to 6 months when:
- you work over 100 hours in a 4 week period and don’t use respite days to remain on payment
- you run out of respite days
- you earn too much income from employment.
You can keep your Pensioner Concession Card during your suspension period.
If your situation changes, you can contact us and we’ll assess if we can restore your payment.
Parent Pathways for parents or carers
If you’re a parent or carer of a child under 6, Parent Pathways can help you identify and achieve your future goals. It’s a voluntary support service that is flexible and tailored to your individual circumstances.
You’ll work with a mentor who will support you during your time with Parent Pathways. You’ll also get tailored advice, guidance and resources in a supportive and safe environment, where your children are always welcome.
Read more about Parent Pathways.
Work Bonus
If you’re eligible, the Work Bonus can help you keep more of your Carer Payment while you’re working. Read more about Work Bonus.