Aged and Disabled Carers

Average weekly pay:          $900 
Employment size:               163,700  
Future growth:                     Very strong     
Skill level                                Certificate II or III  

Aged and disabled carers provide general household assistance, emotional support, care, and companionship for aged and disabled persons in their own homes.
 
Typical tax deductions include:

• Home to work travel costs incurred due to shifting places of work (visiting 5-10 client houses each day).    
• Travel between work locations, or for training purposes.
• Compulsory work uniforms, non-slip nurse’s shoes, stockings, vests and cardigans, safety glasses, gloves, aprons and lab coats. 
• Overtime meals (if paid a meal allowance under an Industrial Award).
• Phone, internet and home office expenses.
• Self-education expenses (must be related to the current job). 
• Magazines, books and journals related to health and medicine.  For example, Aged Care Insight, Australasian Journal on Ageing, and Home Care Magazine.
• Agency commissions and agency fees.
• Annual practising certificate fees, nursing association or union fees. 
• Equipment including fob watches, briefcases, handbags, iPad, laptop, stethoscope, etc. Items costing more than $300 each need to be depreciated over their effective life.

Non-deductible expenses:

• Upfront fees, joining fees or search fees paid to an agency.
• Client gifts, meals and entertainment.