The Australian Government’s Service Australia has announced a $600 cash boost for carers, known as the Carer Supplement, coming in July 2024.
This financial support aims to assist those who provide essential care to individuals with disabilities, severe medical conditions, or who are elderly and frail. Here’s everything you need to know about this initiative.
Centrelink $600 Cash Boost
The Centrelink $600 cash boost is an annual payment designed to supplement the existing Centrelink payments for eligible carers.
This includes those receiving the Carer Payment, Carer Allowance, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Carer Service Pension, and other related benefits. Importantly, this supplement is not considered taxable income.
Multiple Supplements
Carers looking after multiple individuals may receive multiple supplements. For example, if a carer is responsible for two children and receives single carer payments and two carer allowance payments, they could receive up to $1,800. Partial payments are also available, with the amount determined by the level of care provided.
Exact Dates
The Carer Supplement will be rolled out starting from July 1, 2024. Payments will be deposited directly into eligible recipients’ bank accounts between July 3, 2024, and August 2, 2024. This program aims to support over 640,000 Australians who provide care for individuals with significant needs.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Centrelink $600 cash boost, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Permanent resident of Australia with certified Australian citizenship.
- Age: Must be 16 years or older.
- Care Responsibility: Must be providing care to someone with a severe disability or chronic illness.
- Financial Requirement: Must pass an online income test to demonstrate financial need.
Eligibility criteria can change based on national circumstances, so it’s essential to stay updated through official government channels.
How to Claim
Here’s a step-by-step guide to claiming the $600 Carer Supplement:
- Create a MyGov Account: Link it to Centrelink if you haven’t already.
- Navigate to Centrelink: Log in to the MyGov portal and access the Centrelink section.
- Locate the Claim Section: Find the claim and payment sections on the Centrelink portal.
- Make a Claim: Select the ‘Make a Claim’ option from the drop-down menu.
- Fill in Details: Complete the form with all required details and submit supporting documents.
- Answer the Questionnaire: After submitting the claim, you will need to complete a questionnaire based on your current circumstances.
- Review Application: Check the status of your application through the official portal or the Express Plus mobile app.
All We Know
The $600 Carer Supplement is provided per person cared for. Eligible carers can receive payments fortnightly. If a carer has recently moved to Australia, they must have resided in the country for at least 104 weeks (two years) to qualify.
Carers temporarily out of the country may receive payments for up to six weeks, with different rules applying under the International Social Security Agreement.
For the most current and detailed information, it is advisable to regularly visit the official Australian Government website. Keeping updated with the latest announcements will ensure that carers can make the most of this financial support program.
FAQs
When will the $600 cash boost be paid?
Between July 3, 2024, and August 2, 2024.
Who is eligible for the Carer Supplement?
Permanent residents of Australia aged 16 or older who provide care to someone with a severe disability or illness.
How much can a carer receive for multiple individuals?
Up to $1,800 for three carer supplements.
Is the Carer Supplement taxable?
No, it is not considered taxable income.
How can I check the status of my claim?
Through the MyGov portal or the Express Plus mobile app.
