Provided unpaid child care and/or unpaid assistance to a person (PCAP)

This image shows a question from the 2026 Census online form. This question asks: In the last two weeks did Person 1 spend time looking after a child, without pay?  

Underneath the question text, the instructional text states: Only include children who were less than 15 years of age. Select all applicable responses.  

Underneath the instructional text, is a clickable More Information header. Once clicked, the More Information is shown, and states: Include the time the person spent looking after a child or children without being paid. Care of the person's own children, whether they usually live with them or not, should be included as well as grandchildren, the children of other relatives and children of friends or neighbours. Do not include care for a child given through an organisation or club. For example, if the person coaches a junior sporting team, or helps out at a school, then this is volunteering.  

The response options are: No; Yes, looked after own child; Yes, looked after a child other than own child.  

This image shows a question from the 2026 Census online form. This question asks: In the last two weeks did Person 1 spend time providing unpaid care, help or assistance to family members or others because of a disability, a long-term health condition or problems related to old age?  

Underneath the question text, the instructional text states: People who receive Carer Allowance or Carer Payment should select ‘Yes, provided unpaid care, help or assistance’. Occasional help or assistance, such as shopping, should only be included if the person needs this type of assistance because of their condition. Do not include work done through a voluntary organisation or group.  

Underneath the instructional text, is a clickable More Information header, the More Information text is split into sections. Once clicked, the More Information is shown, and the first section states: A long-term health condition is one that has lasted, or is likely to last for six months or more.  

The next section is a list: Unpaid care can include: bathing, dressing, toileting or feeding someone; helping someone to move around; helping someone to understand or be understood by others; helping someone with reading and writing tasks; providing emotional support to someone and helping them maintain friendships and social activities; helping with or supervising medication or dressing wounds; cleaning, laundry, cooking, managing diets and preparing meals; performing household chores, gardening, light property repairs or maintenance; managing household finances; driving or accompanying someone to appointments or activities.  

The response options are: No, did not provide unpaid care, help or assistance; Yes, provided unpaid care, help or assistance.