Dealing with Work and Income
Types of main benefits
You’re caring for someone full-time
Qualifying for the Supported Living Payment
Social Security Act 2018, ss 40–42
You’ll qualify for the Supported Living Payment if you’re required to give full-time care and attention at home to an adult (other than your partner) who would otherwise need hospital care, rest home care or residential disability care. This might be, for example, your adult child, another family member (other than your partner), or a member of the community.
You’ll also qualify if you’re required to give full-time care and attention at home to a child with a severe disability who would otherwise need extended care.
Full-time care and attention means 24-hour access to care and attention. You do not need to provide 24-hour care, but you must be available if required. You can still be away from home a few hours a day (e.g. to undertake part-time work) but this must not compromise the care.
A health practitioner will need to certify that the other person needs your full-time care and attention and would otherwise need the care described above.
You must be 18 to qualify for the Supported Living Payment as a carer to another adult, or 20 if you’re a carer to another adult and you have dependent children.
