Support for Carers in Australia: Payments, Respite, and Services You Should Know About

Carers play a vital and often unseen role in the lives of millions of Australians. Whether you're looking after an ageing parent, a partner with a chronic illness, a child with a disability, or a friend who needs extra support — being a carer means giving your time, energy, and heart to someone else’s wellbeing.

While caring can be deeply meaningful, it also comes with challenges. Many carers juggle paid work, study, or raising children alongside their caring responsibilities. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, isolated, or financially stretched.

The good news is: you’re not alone, and support is available.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through the key resources available to carers in Australia — from financial support through Services Australia, to emotional and practical assistance through national and local services. Whether you're just starting your caring journey or have been doing it for years, this guide will help you find the tools and services that can make a difference.

The Numbers: How Many Australians Are Carers?

Caring is more common than many people realise — and the number of carers in Australia is growing.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2022 data:

• There are an estimated 3.0 million carers in Australia.

• That’s 11.9% of all Australians living in households, up from 10.8% in 2018.

• 12.8% of all females were carers, compared to 11.1% of all males.

• There are now 391,300 young carers (under the age of 25), a significant increase from 235,300 in 2018.

These numbers highlight just how many people are quietly carrying the responsibility of caring — often with little recognition or support. Carers can be any age, from any background, and they often balance multiple roles in life.

Recognising the scale of caregiving in Australia is the first step toward ensuring carers get the support they need — financially, emotionally, and practically.

The ‘Sandwich Generation’: Caring at Both Ends

Many carers today find themselves caught in the middle — raising children while also caring for ageing parents or older relatives. This group is often referred to as the “sandwich generation.”

Balancing the demands of parenting, working, and providing care to an elderly loved one can be incredibly challenging. It’s not just about time — it's also about emotional labour, financial strain, and often a feeling of being stretched too thin.

For sandwich generation carers, the pressure can be relentless:

• You might be taking kids to school and attending aged care appointments on the same day.

• You may need to navigate complex systems like My Aged Care or NDIS, while also managing household responsibilities.

• You may feel guilt about not doing “enough” in any area of your life — even though you're doing more than most.

If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. Support services — including respite care, carer payments, and counselling — can help lighten the load. And you don’t have to wait for a crisis to ask for help.

Financial Support for Carers (via Services Australia)

Caring for someone can impact your ability to work, study, or earn a stable income — which is why there are financial supports available through Services Australia to help ease the pressure.

Here are the key payments you might be eligible for:

Carer Payment

A fortnightly income support payment for people who are unable to work full-time because they are providing constant care to someone with a disability, medical condition, or who is frail aged.

Ideal if you’re providing full-time care and not in paid employment.

Carer Allowance

A supplementary payment for people who provide daily care and support. Unlike the Carer Payment, this allowance is not income or assets tested — so you can receive it even if you're working or studying.

Useful if you’re combining caring with part-time work or other responsibilities.

Carer Supplement

An annual lump sum of $600 (per person you care for), paid automatically if you receive the Carer Payment or Carer Allowance.

Other Payments and Support

·       Energy Supplement

·       Crisis Payment (in emergencies)

·       Pensioner Concession Card (if receiving Carer Payment)

 How to Apply

·       Use the Payment and Service Finder to check what you might be eligible for.

·       Apply online through myGov or call Services Australia’s Carers Line on 132 717.

These payments can provide some breathing room — and acknowledging your caring role through financial support is one small way of recognising your contribution.

Carer Gateway: A One-Stop Support Hub

When you’re caring for someone, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. That’s where Carer Gateway comes in — a free, national service that connects carers with practical, emotional, and emergency support.

Whether you need a break, someone to talk to, or help navigating services, Carer Gateway is designed to support you, the carer.

What’s Available Through Carer Gateway?

·       Free counselling – one-on-one sessions with a professional who understands the pressures of caring.

·       Coaching – to help you build resilience and plan for the future.

·       Peer support groups – connect with others who truly get what you’re going through.

·       Emergency and planned respite – so you can take a break when you need one.

·       Practical support – such as help with household tasks or transport.

·       Tailored support packages – personalised services based on your unique needs and situation.

How to Access Carer Gateway

·       Call 1800 422 737 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm)

·       Visit www.carergateway.gov.au

When you contact Carer Gateway, you’ll be connected to a local service provider who can walk you through your options and coordinate support.

You don’t need a referral, and there’s no cost to use these services.

Respite Care: Taking a Break from Caring

Caring is a demanding role — physically, emotionally, and mentally. That’s why taking a break is not only okay — it’s essential.

Respite care gives you time to rest, recharge, or attend to other parts of your life while knowing your loved one is in safe hands. Whether it’s for a few hours or a few weeks, respite can help you avoid burnout and continue caring in a sustainable way.

Types of Respite Care

In-Home Respite

A support worker comes to your home to stay with the person you care for — typically for a few hours at a time. This allows you to:

·       Run errands

·       Attend appointments

·       Simply take a break

Residential Respite

The person you care for stays temporarily in an aged care home or facility. This is often used for longer breaks, like a weekend away or a planned holiday.

Residential respite can be:

·       Booked in advance

·       Accessed in emergencies (if you're unwell or unable to provide care)

Accessing Respite

·       Through Carer Gateway: Call 1800 422 737 to request in-home or emergency respite.

·       Through My Aged Care: If the person you care for is over 65, they may be eligible for government-subsidised residential respite.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. Respite care is one of the best ways to ensure you can keep caring in the long run, without sacrificing your own wellbeing.

State-Based Carer Support Organisations

In addition to national services like Carer Gateway, many states and territories in Australia have their own dedicated carer organisations. These groups provide localised support, advocacy, education, and connection opportunities — tailored to carers in your area.

They often offer:

·       In-person and online support groups

·       Education workshops and training

·       Young carer programs

·       Carer events, retreats, and respite services

·       Help navigating the aged care, disability, and mental health systems

Find Your Local Carer Organisation

·       New South Wales: Carers NSW

·       Victoria: Carers Victoria

·       Queensland: Carers Queensland

·       Western Australia: Carers WA

·       South Australia: Carers SA

·       Tasmania: Care2Serve (Carers Tasmania)

·       Northern Territory: Carers NT

·       Australian Capital Territory: Carers ACT

These organisations are a great place to connect with people who truly understand the caring role and can point you to services close to home.

In-Person Support Options

Sometimes, face-to-face support can make all the difference — especially when you’re feeling isolated or overwhelmed. In-person services can provide not just practical help, but also a sense of community and connection.

Here are some common in-person support options available to carers around Australia:

Local Carer Support Groups

·       Many carer organisations and community centres run regular meetups.

·       Share experiences, learn from others, and feel less alone in your journey.

·       Some groups are general, while others focus on specific caring roles (e.g. dementia carers, young carers, culturally diverse carers).

Community Health Services

·       Many local health centres offer carer support, education sessions, and allied health services.

·       You may also find carer advisors or social workers who can help coordinate care.

Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT/ACAS)

·       If you're caring for an older person, these teams conduct assessments to access services like respite, home care packages, or residential aged care.

·       Available Australia-wide through My Aged Care.

·       Referrals can be made by a GP, hospital, or directly by you.

How to Find Local Services

·       Use the Service Finder on Carer Gateway or My Aged Care.

·       Ask your local GP, council, or community centre for recommendations.

·       State-based carer organisations often have searchable directories.

Even one in-person connection can provide the encouragement or guidance you need to keep going.

Online Tools and Resources

Not all support needs to happen face-to-face — there’s a growing range of online tools and websites that can help you manage your caring role, access services, and take care of your own wellbeing.

Whether you’re short on time or prefer the flexibility of online access, these platforms can be a lifeline.

My Aged Care

The central portal for aged care services in Australia.
Use it to:

·       Learn about aged care options

·       Organise assessments (ACAT)

·       Compare providers

·       Apply for Home Care Packages or residential respite
🔗 myagedcare.gov.au

Mental Health Support

·       Head to Health – government-backed hub for online mental health tools and services.

·       Beyond Blue – resources and counselling for anxiety, depression, and emotional support.

·       Lifeline – crisis support and suicide prevention (13 11 14, available 24/7).

Dementia Australia

Support, education, and a helpline for carers of people living with dementia.
🔗 dementia.org.au

Carer Gateway Online Portal

If you prefer self-managing your support options, the Carer Gateway website lets you:

·       Access support services

·       Book counselling or coaching

·       Connect with peer groups
🔗 carergateway.gov.au

Online resources can give you the information and reassurance you need — anytime, anywhere.

Self-Care for Carers

When you’re caring for someone else, it’s easy to put your own needs last. But the truth is — you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Self-care isn’t indulgent or optional; it’s a vital part of sustaining your ability to care for someone else over the long term. Even small steps can make a big difference.

What Self-Care Can Look Like

·       Taking regular breaks, even just 10 minutes of quiet.

·       Moving your body — a short walk, stretching, or gentle exercise.

·       Eating nourishing meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest.

·       Making time for joy — music, a favourite book, a coffee with a friend.

·       Saying no to things that drain you unnecessarily.

·       Talking to someone — a counsellor, a friend, or a peer who understands.

Emotional Self-Care

·       Recognise that feelings like guilt, frustration, or exhaustion are normal.

·       Join a carer support group (in-person or online) to share the load.

·       Consider counselling or coaching through Carer Gateway or your local carer organisation.

Caring for the Carer Is Caring Too

When you look after your wellbeing, you not only protect your own health — you also provide more sustainable, grounded care for your loved one. Think of it as a team effort, and you’re part of the team too.

If you’re feeling burnt out or overwhelmed, don’t wait — reach out. Help is available, and you deserve support just as much as the person you care for.

Final Thoughts & Where to Start

Caring for someone is one of the most generous and challenging roles a person can take on. Whether you're doing it out of love, duty, or necessity — you deserve support, recognition, and rest.

The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

From financial help to emotional support, respite care to online tools — there’s a wide network of services designed to help carers across Australia. And while navigating those resources can feel overwhelming at times, taking even one small step can lighten your load.

Where to Start

If you're feeling unsure where to begin:

1.     Contact Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 or carergateway.gov.au
They can help you find local services, book counselling, arrange respite, and more.

2.     Check your eligibility for payments via Services Australia.

3.     Reach out to your state-based carer organisation for community support, education, and events.

If you have a parent or loved one resistant to external care which is exacerbating your stress have a look at our blog on just this:  How to Support Parents Resisting Aged Care

You are seen. You are valued. And there are people and services ready to walk alongside you.