Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 99

Interpretation

Section 99 defines the key terms used in the carer's benefit provisions, including who qualifies as a "carer", what constitutes a "relevant person" requiring care, and the meaning of the "relevant period".

• A carer must be at least 16 years old and provide full-time care and attention to a relevant person, whether living with them or not (though non-residence is subject to prescribed conditions).
• The relevant period is the 26 weeks immediately preceding the first day for which carer's benefit is claimed.
• A relevant person is someone whose disability requires either continual supervision with frequent assistance for daily bodily functions, or continual supervision to prevent self-harm.
• The Minister may make regulations specifying what circumstances and conditions qualify someone as providing full-time care and attention.