Thousands of Australians receiving Centrelink Carer Payment have been impacted by recent changes announced in October 2025. These changes affect not only payment thresholds but also eligibility checks and review cycles, leaving many carers concerned about their financial support. The Australian government has introduced updated criteria aimed at targeting assistance more effectively, but critics argue it may unintentionally exclude vulnerable carers. This update comes as part of a wider welfare reform initiative and has caused widespread concern among family carers and disability support networks across the country.
Centrelink Carer Payment Changes for Australian Citizens – What’s New?
The latest update to the Centrelink Carer Payment introduces stricter income and asset tests, new medical review schedules, and more frequent reassessments. Australian citizens who rely on this support must now navigate tightened eligibility guidelines, which may reduce or even cancel their payments. The government argues these changes are necessary to maintain sustainability in the welfare system, but many believe it places undue pressure on carers who already manage heavy responsibilities. It’s essential for recipients to recheck their current compliance and prepare documentation ahead of upcoming reassessments in late October 2025.
Impact of New Carer Payment Rules on Australians Receiving Disability and Aged Care Support
The revised Centrelink rules could especially impact those caring for individuals with permanent disabilities or elderly family members. Many Australian residents receiving carer support for aged care responsibilities may now need to prove additional medical dependencies or meet new care-hour thresholds. These updates also include a shift toward digital correspondence, meaning failure to respond to review notices could result in automatic payment suspensions. Authorities recommend that all current recipients double-check their myGov accounts and ensure their contact information is current to avoid disruptions in payment continuity.
Who Will Lose Eligibility Under the Updated Centrelink Carer Payment Review?
The Department of Social Services estimates that over 20,000 Australians could be flagged for reassessment under the new Centrelink carer policy rollout. Those most at risk include carers with secondary income, self-employed individuals, and carers for recipients with moderate care needs that no longer meet the ‘substantial and ongoing care’ definition. Additionally, the updated income cut-off levels now factor in a broader range of assets. Australians who have not updated their care-recipient medical documentation or who fall outside the revised eligibility bands may receive termination notices beginning from late October to November 2025.
Payment Schedule and Reassessment Table for Centrelink Carer Payment Changes
| Change Area | Old Criteria | New Criteria (2025) | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Threshold (Single) | $137,400 per year | $124,500 per year | 28 Oct 2025 |
| Medical Review Frequency | Every 5 years | Every 3 years | 1 Nov 2025 |
| Care Hours Requirement | 20+ hours/week | 25+ hours/week | 28 Oct 2025 |
| Asset Threshold | $1,000,000 | $900,000 | 28 Oct 2025 |
| Payment Reassessment Notice | By Post & Phone | Digital Only (myGov) | From 1 Nov 2025 |
1. Who is most affected by the Centrelink Carer Payment changes?
Carers with secondary income or outdated care documentation are most at risk of losing support.
2. When do the new Centrelink carer rules start?
The major changes take effect from 28 October to 1 November 2025.
3. What happens if I miss the reassessment notice?
Missing a reassessment notice on myGov may lead to suspension or cancellation of your payment.
4. Can I appeal a cancelled Centrelink Carer Payment?
Yes, you can request a review or appeal through Centrelink within 13 weeks of the decision.
