Support for carers and the Economic Support Payment from Services Australia

Economic Support Payment

Support for carers

THERE are more than 2.7 million carers in Australia. If you look after someone with a disability or medical condition who needs help with their day-to-day living you may be eligible for extra financial assistance and support.

Many people don’t see themselves as carers. They are just children, parents, partners or friends who care for someone close to them. 

Being a carer can be difficult and can come at a financial cost. You may have to reduce your employment hours or have extra costs such as petrol or groceries.

Services Australia has a range of support and payments to help carers. These include the Carer Payment, Carer Allowance and the Carer Supplement.

You can also find support services and help from a range of other organisations on the Carer Gateway. The Carers Gateway offers free ongoing support for carers including:

  • Online self-guided coaching and skills courses to help improve skills and plan for the future.
  • Counselling in person or on the phone.
  • Emergency respite during an unplanned event to help you with care arrangements while you’re away.
  • Peer support with other carers who find comfort in sharing their stories with each other in person and online.
  • Young Carer Bursary to help young carers aged 25 years or under continue or return to study.

Remember, you’re not alone. Accessing payments and services early can help reduce the financial, emotional and physical strain on you.

To find out more about support for carers visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/carers

Economic Support Payment

From 15 July, you’ll get the second $750 Economic Support Payment if you’re eligible. This is part of the Australian Government’s financial support for people affected by coronavirus.

The second Economic Support Payment is an additional payment if you’re living in Australia and you get an eligible payment or concession card on 10 July 2020.

If you’re getting the Coronavirus Supplement, you won’t get the second Economic Support Payment, even if you got the first one.

If you’re eligible, we’ll pay it straight into your bank account. You don’t need to do anything. If you have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card, make sure we have your current bank account details. 

The exact date you receive your payment will be different for everyone. It’s not linked to your regular payment date. You should see it in your bank account before the end of July and up to 48 hours before it appears in your online account.

To find out more about this and other Australian Government support for those affected by coronavirus, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.

Until next time.

If you have a question of a general nature for Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen, simply email info@haveagonews.com.au with Hank in the subject line.