Support for Carers: A Complete Guide
Carer support guide for 2026: free help through Carer Gateway, respite, counselling, payments like Carer Payment and Allowance, and self-care.
You are a carer, and support is for you
Carer Gateway: your starting point
What Carer Gateway offers
Respite: taking a break
Carer payments
Support through the aged-care system
Protecting your own health
Frequently asked questions
What free support is available for carers?
Carer Gateway, on 1800 422 737 or at carergateway.gov.au, offers free counselling, coaching, peer support, tailored support packages and respite. Start with a planning conversation about your situation. It is the national service designed specifically for carers themselves.
What is respite care and is it OK to use it?
Respite means someone else takes over caring for a while so you can rest. It can be in-home, community-based or a short residential stay. Using it is not letting anyone down — regular breaks make long-term caring sustainable and benefit the person you care for.
What is the difference between Carer Payment and Carer Allowance?
Carer Payment is an income-support payment for people who cannot work much due to caring, and is means-tested. Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment for providing daily care, paid on top of other income. You may be eligible for one or both.
How can I avoid carer burnout?
Get support early rather than waiting for a crisis. Use Carer Gateway counselling and respite, keep up your own medical appointments, friendships and interests, and ensure the person you care for has their own aged-care support to share the load.