Caring, Working & Finances

There is a variety of support systems in place, including benefits and concessions, available through the government and other organisations, that can avoid you carrying the responsibilities of caring alone. Through Centrelink, as a carer, you may be entitled to a Carer Payment, to provide income support if you are unable to work because of the demands of your caring role. A Carer Allowance, which is a fortnightly income supplement for parents or carers providing additional daily care and attention to an adult or dependent child. And/or a Carer Supplement, an annual lump sum to assist with the cost of caring for a person. For each of these, there are rules about who is eligible. You can also contact Centrelink on 132 717.

NILS gives Australians on low incomes access to fair and safe credit of up to $1,200 to purchase essential items, from home appliances to medical treatments.

The repayment period is usually between 12 to 18 months, and eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

For more information contact our advisory service on 1800 422 737, or download our NILS brochure.

It is estimated that carers provide 1.9 billion hours of unpaid care. The replacement value of the unpaid care provided in 2015 was $60.3 billion – over $1 billion per week. Caring families often experience financial hardship. It can be difficult to juggle caring with paid work and the extra costs related to illness and disability can be enormous.

In Tasmania, it is estimated that one in six people are a carer. This means that many employees also have a caring role. Carers have the right to remain in employment, just like any other person.

Carers may want to stay employed to earn extra income, to build up superannuation, to progress their career, and keep the important social connections often built within the workplace.

We know that there are challenges in balancing work whilst also caring. Employers may not have all of the necessary information to understand the needs of carers, or even that you have caring responsibilities. You have the right to discuss how the workplace may be able to help you balance your employment and caring role. Your experience and skills are valuable, and it will cost money to recruit and train somebody to replace you.

As a carer, you have certain rights and entitlements are set out by legislation. You can talk to your HR department, your direct manager, your union representatives or contact Fair Work Australia to find out what conditions might apply in your workplace.

Carers Australia and Carers NSW both have initiatives aimed at supporting employers and workplaces to build their awareness and inclusivity of carers.

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For information on what might be applicable to your situation, contact our knowledgeable, friendly team for advice by phone on 1800 422 737, use online chat 9am – 5pm weekdays (or leave a call back message) or by using our contact form.