Introduction
Navigating the landscape of social policy law can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding the tools used to assess eligibility for carer payments. This guide focuses on a critical instrument in Australia: the Adult Disability Assessment Tool (ADAT), a key component in determining eligibility for both Carer Allowance (CA) and Carer Payment (CP) for those caring for adults. It’s important to remember that while this information serves as a guide, individual circumstances may vary, and for personalized advice, consulting Services Australia is always recommended.
What is the Carer Payment Assessment Tool (ADAT)?
The Adult Disability Assessment Tool, or ADAT, is a structured assessment method defined by the Australian Government’s Secretary’s Determination, officially known as the Adult Disability Assessment Determination 2018. This determination is a legally binding document that sets out the minimum qualifying scores required for individuals to be eligible for Carer Payment (CP) and Carer Allowance (CA) when caring for an adult with a disability.
At its core, the ADAT is designed to objectively measure the level of care an adult care receiver requires due to a disability, medical condition, or both. It helps determine if the care needs are significant enough to meet the government’s definition of a ‘disabled adult’ under the Social Security Act 1991, specifically section 954 for CA (adult) and section 198 for CP for adult care receivers. This tool ensures a consistent and fair approach to assessing eligibility across different applications.
How the Carer Payment Assessment Tool Works
The ADAT assessment isn’t a single questionnaire but rather a combination of two parts designed to capture a holistic view of the care receiver’s needs. These two questionnaires work in tandem to quantify the level of assistance required in daily living:
-
Claimant Questionnaire (Schedule 1 Part 1): This section is completed by the carer. It focuses on the amount of help the care receiver needs with basic activities of daily living. These activities span across areas like mobility, communication, personal hygiene, eating, and cognitive and behavioral management. This can include not just physical assistance but also supervision and prompting to ensure the care receiver can undertake these essential daily tasks.
-
Health Professional Assessment (HPA) Component (Schedule 1 Part 2): This crucial part must be completed by a Treating Health Professional (THP). The THP provides a professional evaluation of the care receiver’s condition and care needs. The Secretary’s Determination specifies the approved list of THPs who are qualified to complete this assessment.
Both questionnaires contain a series of questions designed to generate a weighted score. This score reflects the overall level of care required by the individual due to their physical, intellectual, and/or psychiatric disability. A minimum qualifying score is necessary in both the THP component and the total ADAT score to be considered eligible for Carer Payment or Carer Allowance.
It’s important to note that while the Health Professional Assessment is vital, there are provisions within the ADAT framework to ensure fairness and accuracy. For instance, if the Secretary believes the initial THP questionnaire doesn’t accurately represent the care receiver’s needs, they have the authority to request a replacement questionnaire from a different THP. Furthermore, in situations where the THP is a close relative of the carer or care receiver, careful consideration is given to potential conflicts of interest, ensuring the assessment remains objective. The Secretary’s delegate also has the discretion to approve a health professional not on the standard list on a case-by-case basis, particularly if they possess specific expertise relevant to the care receiver’s condition.
Example 1: Imagine a scenario where Maria is applying for Carer Payment for her elderly father, John, who has dementia. Maria completes the claimant questionnaire detailing the daily support John needs. John’s General Practitioner (GP), as an approved THP, completes the Health Professional Assessment. Both questionnaires are submitted, and the scores are calculated to determine if John’s care needs meet the threshold for Carer Payment eligibility.
Example 2: Consider another case where David is seeking Carer Allowance for his son, Michael, who has a significant intellectual disability. David completes his part of the ADAT, and they consult with Michael’s pediatrician, who is a listed approved THP. The pediatrician completes the HPA. If the combined scores meet the minimum requirements set out in the Adult Disability Assessment Determination 2018, David may be eligible for Carer Allowance.
Using One ADAT Score for Both Carer Payment and Carer Allowance
A significant aspect of the ADAT’s efficiency is its portability between Carer Payment and Carer Allowance applications. If a person is already assessed under ADAT for either CP or CA, and they apply for the other payment, the existing ADAT assessment can often be utilized. The legislation doesn’t mandate a separate assessment for each payment type.
This is particularly beneficial when the previous ADAT score is 40 or higher and the care receiver’s condition is deemed permanent and non-improving. In such cases, the care receiver generally won’t need to undergo another ADAT assessment for future CA or CP claims. For scores below 40, ADAT assessments are typically considered current for two years, aligning with standard review periods.
However, there are specific instances where a review of a previous ADAT score might be necessary. This includes situations where the standard two-year review hasn’t been conducted, or if the ADAT is being used for a Carer Allowance claim by a non-co-resident carer, and there are concerns about whether the level of care provided aligns with ADAT requirements. Another scenario is when a previous ADAT score for a CP claim doesn’t meet the higher qualifying score needed for a new CA claim. It’s important to note that the minimum qualifying scores differ slightly between CP and CA, with CA generally requiring a higher threshold.
Act reference: For detailed legal references, refer to the Social Security Act 1991 section 954A, which outlines the qualification for CA when caring for a disabled adult in a private home not shared by the adult and carer.
Policy reference: Further policy details can be found in the Social Security Guide: 1.2.5.50, 1.2.5.20, 6.2.5.50, and 6.2.5.140.
Conclusion
The Carer Payment Assessment Tool (ADAT) is a cornerstone of the Australian social security system, ensuring a structured and equitable method for evaluating the care needs of adults with disabilities. By utilizing a two-part questionnaire completed by both the carer and a health professional, the ADAT provides a quantifiable score that determines eligibility for crucial carer support payments like Carer Payment and Carer Allowance. Understanding the ADAT is essential for anyone navigating the carer payment system in Australia, and this guide aims to provide a clear overview of its purpose, function, and application. For specific advice related to individual circumstances, it is always best to contact Services Australia directly.
Last reviewed:
