Government-funded support for carers

Where to find help

Caring for someone with ET can be a rewarding but demanding role. To help carers manage these responsibilities, the Australian Government funds a range of support programs designed to provide financial assistance, access to services, health and wellbeing support and practical resources.

This section provides an overview of key government-funded supports available to carers, including financial aid, aged care services and specialised programs tailored to help you sustain your caring role. Understanding these options can empower you to access the right help at the right time.

Overview of available government supports

Australia offers a range of government-funded programs to assist carers with the practical, financial and emotional demands of caring. Knowing what’s available can help you make informed choices and access the support best-suited to your circumstances.

Resource/program	How it helps
Services Australia	Processes and pays carer-related benefits and allowances.
My Aged Care	Info and support for older Australians and their carers.
Carer Gateway	Entry point for all practical, health and financial support.
Carers Australia	Peak body for advocacy, education and local support.

Services Australia financial support

Services Australia provides financial assistance programs for carers, including Carer Payment and Carer Allowance, helping to ease the cost of caring and recognise your valuable contribution.

Payment/benefit	Who is it for?	Benefits
Carer payment	Full-time carer for someone with severe disability or illness.	Fortnightly income support, eligibility criteria apply, means-tested.
Carer allowance	Carers providing extra daily support to someone with disability or illness.	Supplementary fortnightly payment, not means tested, can be received with carer payment.
Carer supplement	Lump sum to carers receiving carer payment or allowance.	Annual lump sum.
Young carer bursary	Young carers (12 to 25) balancing study and caring.	Financial help with educational expenses.

To learn more, contact Services Australia on 132 717.

My Aged Care

My Aged Care is a gateway to government‑funded aged care services, offering advice and access to in-home support, respite care and other services designed to assist older people and their carers.

Carers who are themselves aged 65+ (50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) can access support for their own needs through My Aged Care.

Support type	Details
Respite care	Temporary substitute care (in-home or residential) allows carers to take breaks and recharge.
Home support services	Meals, cleaning, transport, home modifications and personal care are funded for the person with ET to reduce carer burden.
Equipment and modifications	Assistance with aids (e.g., grab bars, non-slip mats, mobility devices) to make home care safer and easier.
Counselling and advocacy	Carers aged 65+ can access short-term emotional support, stress management and referral-based counselling through aged care programs. While not ET-specific, services focus on coping strategies, carer wellbeing and navigating aged care systems. Advocacy may include help understanding rights, accessing services and communicating with health providers.
Information and education	Guides, factsheets and phone support help carers learn about caring responsibilities, self-care and wellbeing and counselling referrals.

To learn more, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway delivers free information, counselling, coaching, respite and skills training programs, helping you build knowledge, resilience and connections.

Unpaid carers, no matter their age, situation, or relationship with the person they are caring for, are eligible for support. No referral is needed. Simply call, email, or register online.

Support type	Details
Counselling and coaching	Free, confidential support to help manage stress and emotional challenges.
Peer support groups	Opportunities to connect with other carers, share experiences and receive encouragement.
Respite care	Planned, emergency or short-term substitute care so you can take a break.
Skills course	Online or in-person learning about self-care, navigating health systems, legal and financial planning and more.
Tailored support packages	Help with accessing employment, education, transport or specific care needs.
Information and advice	Guidance on carer payments, navigating aged care or disability supports (like NDIS or My Aged Care) and links to other local services.
Practical assistance	Coordination with local service providers, advocacy for carers’ needs and connection to specialist resources.

To learn more, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.

Carers Australia

Carers Australia is the national peak body representing carers, providing advocacy, education, resources and opportunities to connect with peer support networks.

What they offer	Who is eligible	How to start
Advocacy, policy, information, national programs	Any unpaid carer in Australia	Visit website, contact by phone, join networks.
Referrals to services and financial support	All carers, young and adult	Browse resources or call the national helpline.
Young Carer programs, workplace initiatives	Young carers, carer employees	Join online, apply for bursaries and attend events.
Peer community, news, events	Whole carer community	Carers forum, Young Carers Network, newsletters.

To learn more, contact Carers Australia via email: [email protected].

Other ways to access help and support

A variety of support services and programs are available to assist carers with practical tasks, emotional wellbeing and skill development. Knowing where to find help and how to access it can make a real difference in managing your caring role and maintaining your own health. Below are practical tips and a range of trusted organisations offering tailored support to help you through your caring journey.

Practical tips for accessing support:

Start by identifying your needs

Consider the type of help you require -practical assistance with daily tasks, emotional support or advice on managing care responsibilities. Writing these down can clarify your priorities.

Reach out early

Don’t wait until you feel overwhelmed; many services offer timely support that can prevent burnout and improve your wellbeing.

Use multiple avenues

Contact state or territory associations, carer organisations and health services to explore a range of support options. Often combining assistance from several sources works best.

Keep a list of contacts

Maintain an up-to-date list of phone numbers, websites and referral contacts for easy access when needed.

Ask for referrals

Health professionals, including GPs and allied health workers, can connect you to specific programs, respite services or counselling tailored to carers.

Consider peer support

Connecting with other carers through groups or online forums can provide practical tips, emotional validation and shared experiences that reduce isolation.

Keep yourself healthy

If need be, access mental health support early and consider counselling or wellbeing programs specifically designed for carers.

Be aware of eligibility criteria

Some services may require proof of carer status or specific regional eligibility. Research or ask questions early to avoid disappointment.

Stay flexible and review

Your needs may change over time; regularly reassess the support you need and adjust accordingly.

Key Support Services

Federally funded organisations

Services Australia: Provide financial support and services for carers through Centrelink and related programs. General enquiries through Centrelink 132 717 www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

My Aged Care: Central access point for aged care services, including support for carers of older Australians. Call 1800 200 422 https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/

Carer Gateway: National service offering free counselling, coaching, respite (including emergency respite) and tailored support for carers. Call 1800 422 737 www.carergateway.gov.au

Carers Australia: National peak body advocating for carers and providing information and resources. Email [email protected] www.carersaustralia.com.au

Non-government organisations for carers

Carers Australia: National advocacy and information with some state-based carer support initiatives. Call 1800 242 636 carersaustralia.com.au

Uniting Vic.Tas Carer Support: Support services including counselling and peer networks for carers. Call 1800 052 222 unitingvictas.org.au

Carer peer support and special interest groups

Wellways Carer Support: Peer mentoring, carer peer groups and coaching programs tailored to carer wellbeing. Call 1300 111 400 wellways.org

Carer Gateway Community Forums: Online peer support for carers sharing experiences and advice. Accessible via carergateway.gov.au

Mental health and wellbeing support

Beyond Blue: Support for carers’ mental health including a 24/7 helpline. Call 1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au

Headspace: Mental health support and counselling for young carers aged 12–25. Call 1800 650 890 headspace.org.au

Lifeline Australia: Crisis support and suicide prevention 24/7 helpline. Call 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au

Carer-specific hotlines

Carer Gateway Helpline: A national helpline for carers to access support, advice and referrals. Call 1800 422 737 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm)

Carers Australia Carer Advisory Service: Provides information, support and counselling to carers nationally. Call 1800 242 636 (Mon–Fri, excluding public holidays)

Mind Australia Carer Helpline: Telephone support for carers of people with mental illness, including information on self-care and respite. Call 1300 554 660 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)

Carer mental health programs and counselling

Carer Gateway counselling: Free and confidential psychological support specifically for carers to help manage stress, anxiety or depression related to caring. Book via 1800 422 737 or online

Wellways Carer Support: Peer mentoring, coaching and wellbeing programs to build coping skills and reduce carer isolation. Phone 1300 111 400

Workshops and skill-building

Carer Gateway Skills Training: Various workshops to develop carer coping and caring skills; check availability via the Carer Gateway helpline.

Local Carer Support Groups and Workshops: Many state and territory carer associations, such as Carers Victoria offer regular workshops and peer-led training sessions for carers.