Finding the support you need

Across Australia from the tip of Cape York to South East Cape, from Shark Bay to Byron Bay Anyone, Anytime can become a carer.

Looking after a family member or friend with a disability, chronic condition, mental illness or who is frail aged has its challenges and can also be infinitely rewarding.

Seeking support can help you with your caring responsibilities..

Without appropriate support, however, caring can have an adverse impact on physical, mental and emotional health as well as short and long term financial security.

The demands of caring can make it harder to have a job, go to school or simply to take some time out to relax. It is important to remember that whatever affects carers also affects their whole family.

This section of the website is a guide to services and support available to help carers through some of the challenges they face.

When carers are properly supported, everyone benefits.

Carers Australia and the Network of Carers Associations

Carers Australia is the peak national body representing the diversity of Australians who are family carers. 

Together with the carers associations in each state and territory we work to improve the lives of carers and have caring accepted as a shared community responsibility.

At the national level, we raise community awareness of carers’ issues and advocate to ensure that carers can participate fully in family, social and community life and in education and employment. 

Carers associations in each state and territory help and assist carers with flexible services designed to support them in their caring role. These services include counselling, advocacy, respite  and education and training for carers.

Carers associations can also help put you in contact with other people who have similar experiences to your own and who understand what you are going through.

For information and support, contact your state or territory carers association’s Carer Advisory and Counselling Service Freecall™

1800 242 636*

or visit www.carersaustralia.com.au for young carers visit www.youngcarers.net.au

(*calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates).

For more information about Carers Australia and the Network of Carers Associations, visit our Links page.

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres are information centres for older people, people with disabilities and those who provide care and services. Centres provide free and confidential information on community aged care, disability and other support services available locally, interstate or anywhere within Australia.

Each Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre has extensive regional networks and maintains a comprehensive database containing community aged care, disability and other support services.

Shopfronts are operated by organisations that already provide established services within their region. Their extensive local knowledge ensures they provide a quality service. This regional focus enables each Centre to develop an awareness of the entire range of services available, to establish networks with local providers and ensure information is up to date.

Respite Services

The National Respite for Carers Program supports carers of older people and those with disabilities to take time out from their caring role. The program provides the comfort of knowing that your dependents are being well looked after.

For more information call your nearest Centre on the national Freecall™ number

1800 052 222*

or visit www.commcarelink.health.gov.au

Deaf or hearing impaired                                             1800 555 677

Speech impaired                                                          1800 555 727

Translating and Interpreting Service                            13 14 50

(*calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates).

For more information about Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres, visit our Links page.

Centrelink

Centrelink provides financial assistance and services to carers in the community.  If you are a carer you may be eligible for Centrelink support.

Carer Payment is an income support payment for people who, because of the demands of caring for a relative or friend, are unable to support themselves through paid employment.

Carer Payment has an income and assets test and is paid at the same rate as other social security pensions.  You cannot receive Carer Payment and another income support payment, such as the Age Pension, at the same time.

Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment available to people who provide daily care and attention in a private home to a person who has a disability, severe medical condition or if frail aged.

Carer Allowance is not taxable or income and assets tested and it can be paid in addition to wages and income support payments such as the Age Pension and Carer Payment.

Centrelink Social Worker’s can provide confidential assistance such as counselling and support in difficult times.  They also provide referral to other services and programs in the community.  To make an appointment with a Social Worker, call 13 10 21 or contact your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

To find out about payments and services you may be eligible for, Contact Centrelink on

13 27 17

or visit www.centrelink.gov.au

Social Work Services                                                    13 17 94

Interpreter Services                                                      13 12 02

Indigenous Call Centre                                                   13 63 80

For more information about how Centrelink can assist carers, visit our Links page.