Eligibility at a glance
Refer a Carer
Four questions decide whether someone is eligible
Carer Gateway eligibility applies the definition of a Carer set out in the Commonwealth Carer Recognition Act 2010. The four questions below are the operational form of that definition and are the same four asked at registration. If all four apply, the person meets eligibility.
The four questions
All four must apply
1. Are they caring for someone who lives with a disability, mental illness, dementia, a chronic health condition, a terminal illness, or an alcohol or drug related problem, or who is frail due to age?
This does not include paid or volunteer caring arrangements, or care provided as part of a course of study.
2. Do they live in Australia?
Citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents all qualify. Visa status does not affect eligibility.
3. Could they use help with any of the following: community connection and social support, their health and wellbeing, learning or training, or practical support at home?
4. Is the caring role ongoing or expected to continue for six months or more, or is the person they care for palliative?
A palliative diagnosis removes the six month expectation.
Common misconceptions
Seven things that do not stop someone being eligible
1 – Age, income or employment. A Carer of any age can be referred.
2 – Whether they live with the person they care for.
3 – Whether they are related to that person.
4 – What supports the person they care for already receives, including an NDIS plan, Support at Home or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
5 – How much care they provide. There is no minimum number of hours.
6 – Whether they receive Carer Payment or Carer Allowance. Both are income support, not payment for care, so a Carer receiving either is still eligible.
7 – Whether they call themselves a Carer.
Young Carers
Under 25, refer the same way
A Young Carer is a Carer under 25 and is referred in the same way. If the Young Carer you are referring is under 18, please confirm that a parent or guardian has consented to the referral before submitting the form.
A Young Carer, or a family member on their behalf, can also register directly without a referral.
When you are not sure
Refer anyway, or call us first
When you are not sure
Eligibility is confirmed at intake, not at referral. Where eligibility is unclear or inconclusive, or you do not have enough information to answer all four questions, submit the referral and note what is uncertain, or call 1800 422 737 to discuss the case before referring. We can also work it through with the Carer once your referral has been received.
There is no cost to either the referring organisation or to the Carer. All services are free to the Carer.
If you are a Carer you can check and determine your own eligibility and register for yourself.
Young Carers under 18 will need a parent or guardian to provide consent as part of the registration form.