What is respite?

Respite care provides short- or long-term relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to rest, recharge, or take a break from their caring duties.

What does respite care involve?

Respite care can be given by family or friends or by a respite service. It can take place at home, in the community, at a centre or in a residential care facility.

If you get Carer Payment or Carer Allowance you are allowed to take breaks from care, known as respite. You can take breaks from caring for up to 63 days in any calendar year, but you need to tell Centrelink before you take a break. You can use these days for anything, including taking a holiday, going to a conference or just having a rest.

It is sometimes possible to get more than 63 days respite for ‘special reasons’ but that’s up to Centrelink, so it’s definitely worth checking before you make any plans. You may also be able to keep receiving Carer Payment and Carer Allowance if the person you care for is in hospital, but you will need to keep providing some care while they are there.

How long is respite care?

Respite care can be planned or unplanned (emergency respite):

  • for a short time (for example, for a few hours each week)
  • for a longer time, including overnight (for example, a weekend)

Planned respite provides carers with the opportunity to relax, relieve stress, and engage in activities they might not otherwise be able to do while caring for someone, like going to the Parkinson’s Australia National Conference or a weekend away with mates!

Emergency respite is for when you suddenly find you can’t provide care, for example, if you are ill or injured, or need surgery, talk with Carer Gateway for help with accessing emergency respite on 1800 422 737 at any time.

Who is eligible to ask for respite?

Carers with Carer Payment or Carer Allowance can access up to 63 days of respite care each financial year without affecting payments. You can access respite care via:

  • Carer Gateway website or call 1800 422 737
  • My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422
  • NDIS website or call 1800 800 110

Carers can also access support through other agencies, including:

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