Many Australians rely on the Centrelink support while caring for a loved one who has a serious disability, illness or age related condition. Carers often sacrifice their own work opportunities, health and time to support someone else every day. Because of this any update on Centrelink payments attracts attention. The $1,178 Centrelink Carer Benefit Payout Checks 2026 is an updated benefit that will be applicable until 19th March 2026. The carer payment is income support payment which is provided by Centrelink to people who cannot work full time because they care for someone with high support needs.
$1,178 Centrelink Carer Benefit Payout Checks 2026
The $1,178 Centrelink Carer Benefit Payout Checks 2026 is fortnightly income support payment for carers who provide care to disabled people or people with a medical condition. This career payment is reviewed by the Australian Government in March and September each year. These reviews may increase payments to keep up with living costs. The last increase which was made on 20th September 2025 increases this payment to $1,178. Single carers or Couples who separated due to illness can get $1,178.70 fortnightly payment.
Centrelink Carer Payment In 2026 – Overview
| Post Title | $1,178 Centrelink Carer Benefit Payout Checks 2026 |
| Year | 2026 |
| Country Name | Australia |
| Benefit Name | Carer Benefit |
| Issuing Authority | Centrelink / Service Australia |
| Who Qualifies? | Carers who provide support to disabled residents or people with medical condition |
| Purpose | To provide financial assistance to carers |
| Payment Frequency | Fortnighty |
| Inflation Indexation | On 20th March & 20th September |
| Amount | $1,178.70 per fortnight |
| Post Category | Finance |
| Official Website | www.servicesaustralia.gov.au |
Centrelink Carer Payment Eligibility 2026
To get Carer Payment benefit in 2026, the following eligibility rules must be met:
- To get this carer payment, the carer and the person who receives care must be Australian residents.
- Carers can only get this payment if they provide constant care for a large amount of time. The care can be physical help, supervision and guidance.
- Carers can get this payment if they do paid work or if they are self employed for 100 hours in a 4 week period.
- Carers can care for one person or more people.
- The carer and the person who gets care must meet income and assets requirements.
- The person who gets care must have income below $1,43,752. The person who gets care must have assets below:
| Situation | Homeowner | Non-Homeowner |
| Single | $3,21,500 | $5,79,500 |
| Couples getting benefits Combined | $4,81,500 | $7,39,500 |
| Couples separated due to illness | $4,81,500 | $7,39,500 |
| Couples where one partner is eligible | $4,81,500 | $7,39,500 |
Fact Check: $1,178 Per Fortnight Carer Payment In 2026
The $1,178 Fortnightly Carer Payment in 2026 is an official and approved benefit. This rate was applicable from 20th September 2025 and will remain active until 19th March 2026. This carer payment is for those who care for disabled people or people with medical conditions. Those who meet income and assets rules can get this Carer payment. The $1,178 payment is specifically for single residents and couples who are separated due to illness. This fortnightly payment will once again be reviewed in March and a new amount will be applicable from 20th March 2026. To know updates on the Centrelink Carer Payment 2026, Australians can visit official servicesaustralia.gov.au portal.
FAQs: $1,178 Centrelink Carer Benefit Payout Checks 2026
What is $1,178 Centrelink Carer Payment 2026?
The $1,178 Centrelink Carer Payment 2026 is a fortnightly payment for those who care for disabled people or people with medical conditions.
Is the $1,178 Per Fortnight Australia Carer Benefit 2026 confirmed?
Yes, the $1,178 Per Fortnight Australia Carer Benefit 2026 is an approved and confirmed payment.
Who can get $1,178 Fortnightly Carer Payment 2026?
Carers who care for disabled residents or people with medical conditions and meet income, assets and residency rules can get $1,178 Fortnightly Carer Payment 2026.
Can every qualified person get $1,178 Australian Carer Payment in 2026?
No, not every qualified person can get $1,178 Australian Carer Payment in 2026 as this benefit is specifically for single residents and couples who separated due to health conditions.
Where can Australians check the Centrelink Carer Payment Amount 2026?
Australians can check the Centrelink Carer Payment Amount 2026 via login into myGov account which is linked to Centrelink.
