New Carer Adjusted Payment (CAPS) money to purchase home modifications

Published 11th October 2007

The Howard government has established a new interim ex-gratia financial assistance scheme in May 2007 to better support families with a child under six with a major disability (e.g. child under exceptional circumstances) following a catastrophic event. The Carer Adjustment Payment is intended to assist families to adjust following a catastrophic
event where a child aged 0-6 years old is diagnosed with a severe illness or medical condition or a major disability. The Carer Adjustment Payment is a one-off non-taxable payment available to families in exceptional circumstances. The maximum amount available to any family is $10 000 for each child in a single catastrophic event. Many families are using this small ex-gratia payment to purchase home modifications. For more information about CAPS eligibility call Centrelink on 13 2717, or go to Centrelink's website at www.centrelink.gov.au