The annual pay increase, normally paid in October, will now come into effect on 1 July and applies to foster carers, kinship carers and specific child only carers.

The increase, in line with indexation arrangements, will help carers meet the costs of caring for a child or young person.

Depending on the age of the child, the new term base rate per fortnight is as follows:

• $363.00 (0 – 4 years)
• $402.60 (5 – 12 years)
• $579.60 (13 – 15 years)
• $784.40 (16 – 17 years)
• $784.40 (18+ years)

Rates for special needs loading, placement start up and education grants will also increase.

New rates will be available on the carer support payments webpage, from 1 July 2021.