Guide to support for carers in NSW

At some point in your life, you may need some type of care or support and many of us will become carers for someone close to us. Government support is available in the form of discounts and savings, payments, concessions and services.

Funding for community groups and organisations

The NSW National Carers Week Grants Program 2026 provides one‑off grants for community‑based activities and events that recognise and celebrate carers and create opportunities for connection during National Carers Week.

Visit NSW Government Grants and Funding to find out more or apply.

Senior couple smiling at each other

About carers in NSW

Carers provide ongoing personal care, support and assistance to people who need it due to disability, a medical condition (including a terminal or chronic illness), a mental illness, or because they are frail and aged.

In NSW, the Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 defines carers and sets out principles for supporting carers. If you’re caring for someone support available to help you with your caring role.

The information on this page is intended as a general guide. It is not a definitive list of services and support available for all carers’ needs and personal circumstances.

Note: If you need translation or interpreting services, go to Help in your language.

Support contacts

  • Carer Gateway 
    • Visit Carer Gateway or call 1800 422 737.
    • Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers.. It provides in-person, online and phone services to carers across Australia, including:
      • in-person and online peer support groups
      • tailored support packages
      • in-person and phone counselling
      • in-person and online self-guided coaching
      • online skills courses
      • access to emergency respite.
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
    • For individuals: visit NDIS or call 1800 800 110 to find out about applying.
    • For carers: visit How we can help carers (NDIS) for support information.
    • The NDIS is Australia’s first national scheme for people with disability. It provides funding directly to individuals under the age of 65 who have permanent and significant disability. An NDIS participant might use funding in their plan to facilitate respite. Respite supports participants and their carers by giving carers short breaks from their caring responsibilities. 
    • Certain workers delivering supports or services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are required to have a worker screening clearance. In NSW this is called the NDIS Worker Check (NDISWC). 
  • My Aged Care
    • Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422.
    • If you need some help around the house or think it’s time to look into aged care homes, My Aged Care is the starting point to access Australian Government-funded services. Go to the My Aged Care website:
      • to explore care types, available services and support options
      • to learn about the assessment process, how to prepare for it and how to apply
      • to find, compare, shortlist and connect with providers.
  • Carers NSW
  • NSW Health offers support, resources and advice for carers, including carer specific services in Local Health. Read NSW Health's Patient information and privacy: a guide for carers and family or visit Resources for NSW Health employees for other resources.
  • Carers Australia advocates and lobbies on a wide range of issues to improve the lives of Australia's carers. Contact Carers Australia online or by mail.
  • NSW Carers Advisory Council provides advice to the NSW Government on legislation, policy and other matters relating to carers. Learn more about the advisory council.

Emergencies

In an emergency or if someone is in danger:

Counselling services

Carer Gateway provides in-person and telephone counselling. Call 1800 422 737 from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm.

There is 24/7 help available on the following numbers:

Services and programs

There are a number of services and programs available for carers with specific needs and requirements.

Emergency respite

To arrange emergency respite, visit Carer Gateway or call 1800 422 737.

Young carers

  • Young Carer Hub (call 02 9280 4744) is provided by Carers NSW. The service helps carers aged 25 or under with counselling, information and referrals, emotional support, and events and workshops.
  • Young Carer Bursary Program supports young carers to continue with their education. The program offers a limited number of bursaries each year. In 2026, there were 1,600 bursaries available, each worth $4,000. If your query is urgent call 1800 756 238.
  • Carer Gateway (call 1800 422 737) offers young carers support, including advice and counselling, self-guided coaching and courses on carer skills.
  • NSW Department of Education provides useful resources to support young carers, principals and teachers. Visit Wellbeing support for schools for more information on support for young carers.

Veterans support services

There is a range of programs, services and concessions available for veterans, their families and carers to help them transition from military to civilian life and to provide ongoing care and support. For more information visit the Veterans support page. 

Mental health

Dementia helpline

The National Dementia Helpline is a free telephone service that provides information and advice to people living with dementia and their carers. The helpline also offers support to people concerned about changes in memory and thinking ability and people who work in health and aged care.

Visit the Dementia Australia website to use the National Dementia Helpline Live Chat service, or call the helpline on 1800 100 500 during business hours.

Rural Women's Network

The Rural Women’s Network (RWN) is a statewide body that reflects and improves how we listen to regional, rural and remote women. The RWN links women to information and services as well as creating opportunities that build personal and business resilience, helping to strengthen regional, rural and remote communities. To learn more go to the Rural Women's Resource page.

AIDS Council of New South Wales (ACON)

The AIDS Council of New South Wales (ACON) provides information and services on HIV prevention, HIV support services and up-to-date information on health issues affecting the LGBTIQA+ community. For more information, visit ACON or call 1800 063 060.

Financial services

Get Healthy Service (health coaching)

The Get Healthy Service is a free phone-based health coaching service aimed at supporting adults make lifestyle changes. 

The service is delivered by NSW Health and is available to people over 16 years of age living in NSW. 

Through the service, you can receive confidential coaching calls with a unversity qualified health coach. The coach can help you to:

  • eat well and keep active
  • reduce how much alcohol you drink
  • reach and stay at a healthy weight.

You can sign up online or ask your health professional for a referral.

Visit Get Healthy Service or call 1800 806 258.

Rights and complaints

For carers

Carers NSW provides fact sheets and information on carer rights and how to make a formal complaint if your rights are not being respected.

For individuals

The NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) promotes the rights of older people and adults with disability to live free from abuse in their family, home and community. Visit the ADC website for information. To report concerns of abuse, neglect and exploitation call the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221.  

Payments

The Federal Government offers a range of payments and subsidies to carers, including:

  • Carer Payment
  • Carer Allowance
  • Carer Supplement
  • Carer Adjustment Payment
  • Child Disability Assistance Payment
  • Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme payment.

For more information, visit Payments for carers or call 132 717.

You may be eligible for other payments, such as:

  • Financial relief one-off payment in the event of a financial emergency, hardship or crisis. You can call 180 22 66 for assistance.
  • Bereavement payment if the person you care for dies, you may be entitled to receive up to 14 weeks of their Aged Care Pension or Carers Payment from the date of their death. For more information, call 132 717.

Discounts and savings

There is a range of concessions and discounts available for carers who meet the eligibility criteria. Please check each concession to ensure you meet the requirements.

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may qualify for additional concessions and rebates. You can:

Travel concessions

Health care and disability concessions

  • Health Care Card (call 136 240) provides discounted health services and medicines.
  • Chronic Disease Management Plan or Team Care Arrangements can be made with your GP, if the person you're caring for has a chronic condition or complex care needs. If you’re eligible, your plan may include Medicare benefits for visits to allied health providers, such as physiotherapists.
  • EnableNSW (call 1800 362 253) provides equipment and services to eligible people in NSW with chronic health conditions or disability to assist with mobility, communication and self-care. You can also receive financial assistance if you need to travel significant distances to access a specialist medical treatment which is unavailable locally.
  • Continence Aids Payment Scheme (call 1800 239 309) helps pay for continence products, if you have permanent and severe incontinence.
  • Medical Energy Rebate (call 137 788) provides up to $285/year in rebates to cover the cost of your energy bills if you’re unable to self-regulate your body temperature.
  • Life Support Energy Rebate (call 137 788) helps with the cost of running energy-intensive medical equipment at home.
  • Essential Medical Equipment Payment (call 132 717) is a single yearly payment to help with energy costs to run medical equipment or medically required heating or cooling.
  • Special Disability Trust (call 1800 734 750) is available for people with a severe disability. The trust can include money or assets to help provide for someone’s long-term care and accommodation needs. It will get concessional treatment under the social security means test.

Energy and utility concessions

There are a number of energy and utility concessions available, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. These include:

Call 13 77 88 or see Energy and utilities for a full list of available concessions.

Other concessions

  • Companion Card (call 1800 893 044) is for people with a significant and permanent disability. When a cardholder buys a ticket at selected venues and facilities around NSW, their carer or companion will be given a second ticket at no charge.
  • NSW Seniors Card or Senior Savers Card (call 13 77 88) holders can get discounts and special offers at over 7,400 businesses across NSW. The NSW Seniors Card also provides public transport concessions.
  • Council rate rebates are available to eligible pensioners. Contact your local council for more information.
  • Active and Creative Kids voucher: supporting eligible families with school-aged children to participate in sport, recreational, creative or cultural activities with registered providers.
  • A carer's registration refund (call 13 22 13) on some of the vehicle tax paid when registering a vehicle may be available to you, if you receive the Commonwealth Carer Allowance and meet other requirements.

Carers often need to plan for their own retirement and their loved one’s end of life. A number of services are available to help you plan ahead and get support if your loved one dies.

Retirement, estate planning and end of life

Retirement

If you need support and advice to plan for your retirement, visit:

End of life

For end of life information and resources, including caring for someone receiving palliative care, visit:

If the person you care for dies, you may be entitled to receive up to 14 weeks of their Aged Care Pension or Carers Payment from the date of their death.

Visit Bereavement payment or call 132 717.

Will, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship

NSW Trustee and Guardian offers resources on how to make a will, Power of Attorney or Enduring Guardianship.

Visit Easy and flexible ways to plan ahead or call 1300 364 103.

Planning ahead for Aboriginal carers

The 'Aboriginal Wills Handbook' and the 'Taking care of business' booklet aim to enable Aboriginal people to make culturally appropriate planning ahead documents. These resources provide advice for kinship, burial and secret knowledge.

Visit Aboriginal planning ahead for more information.

Last published: 24 April 2026