From today 4,916 carers in the ACT will receive a $600 payment to help relieve the financial pressure of caring for a loved one.

Federal Labor representatives, Senator Kate Lundy, Gai Brodtmann MP and Andrew Leigh MP, said the Gillard Government’s Carer Supplement would help local carers cover expenses and budget for any unforeseen costs.

The annual $600 supplement will be paid to people who receive:

• The Carer Payment
• Both the Wife Pension and Carer Allowance
• Both the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Partner Service Pension and Carer Allowance
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs Carer Service Pension

The payment will also be provided to recipients of the Carer Allowance for each person they care for. If a person is in receipt of a Carer Allowance and Carer Payment (or Wife Pension, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension or Carer Service pension) they will qualify for two Carer Supplement payments, with an additional payment for each extra person they care for.

Local carers in Canberra who are caring for loved ones with a disability, mental illness, medical condition, or who are frail and aged, make an enormous social and economic contribution to our community, Senator Lundy said.

The $600 payment will help local carers make ends meet financially and recognises the incredible contribution they make to their loved one’s quality of life at sometimes real cost to themselves, Dr Leigh said.

Also from today, carers in the ACT who receive the Carer Allowance for children will receive the annual $1000 Child Disability Assistance Payment for each child they care for, Ms Brodtmann said.

The Government’s commitment to delivering improved support and greater recognition for carers is also reflected in the Carer Recognition legislation, passed in October 2010, and in the National Carer Strategy, currently being developed in consultation with carers, state and territory governments, peak organisations and service providers.

For more information in relation to the Carer Supplement and changes to help carers visit www.fahcsia.gov.au.