If you care for someone at home, every fortnight’s payment counts, and Carer Payment rates went up on 20 September 2026. Here are the new amounts, plus this year’s Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) amount.
As at 5 October 2026. General information only, not legal, financial or medical advice. Rules can change, so check the official sources below.
In short
- From 20 September 2026, Carer Payment rose by $36.80 a fortnight for singles and $55.60 a fortnight for couples combined.
- The maximum rate is now $1,237.70 a fortnight for singles and $933.00 each for couples.
- Carer Allowance is $162.60 a fortnight. It’s adjusted on 1 January, so it didn’t change in September.
- CAPS for 2026-27 is up to $739.40 per person.
Carer Payment rates from 20 September 2026
Carer Payment rose on 20 September 2026, along with the Age Pension and Disability Support Pension. The maximum fortnightly totals now are $1,237.70 for a single person, $933.00 each for a couple ($1,866.00 combined), and $1,237.70 each for a couple separated by ill health. Those totals include the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.
You don’t need to do anything. Your new amount shows in your Centrelink online account or the Express Plus Centrelink app.
The 2026-27 CAPS amount
CAPS is a yearly, non-taxable payment towards the cost of continence products. For 2026-27 it is up to $739.40 per person, paid once a year in July, or twice a year in July and January. If you apply partway through the year, you get a part payment.
To be eligible you must be 5 or older, have permanent and severe incontinence confirmed by a registered health professional, have an eligible condition, and meet residency rules. If your condition isn’t neurological, you also need a Pensioner Concession Card. You can get CAPS and Support at Home at the same time.
What you can do now
- Check your Centrelink account to confirm your new Carer Payment amount.
- If CAPS might apply, ask your GP or continence nurse about confirming your incontinence, then apply through Services Australia.
- Look after yourself too. Respite is there so carers can rest.
How Kinship can help
Caring often means putting your own needs last, for years. A few extra dollars a fortnight doesn’t change that, but knowing what you’re entitled to helps.
Kinship Uniting Services is a registered NDIS provider (4-GWVHCEY), working in disability and aged care since 2017. We provide respite and daily living support, with the same support worker every visit. If you’re looking for continence products, our continence products page has more information.
If you’d like us to help with this, call 0437 733 744 and we’ll talk it through. Or send us a note through our get support page, whichever is easier for you.
Ask us: got a question about this change? Email info@kinshipunitingservices.com or call 0437 733 744, and we’ll answer it in plain English.
Common questions
How much did Carer Payment go up in September 2026?
From 20 September 2026, Carer Payment went up by $36.80 a fortnight for singles and $55.60 a fortnight for couples combined.
What is the CAPS payment for 2026-27?
Up to $739.40 per person. You can choose to receive it once a year in July, or twice a year in July and January.
Official sources
- Services Australia: Some payment rates are increasing on 20 September 2026 (8 September 2026)
- Services Australia: How much Carer Payment you can get (updated 20 September 2026)
- Services Australia: How much Carer Allowance you can get (updated 1 January 2026)
- Services Australia: CAPS, how much you can get (updated 1 July 2026)
- Services Australia: CAPS, who can get it (updated 24 June 2026)
- Department of Social Services: Payment rates from 20 September 2026 (PDF)
📞 0437 733 744 | kinshipunitingservices.com
Kinship Uniting Services, 39 Victory Road, Colebee NSW 2761
Registered NDIS provider 4-GWVHCEY