Unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, health condition, or due to old age (UNCAREP)

Latest release
Census of Population and Housing: Census dictionary
Reference period
2026

Definition

This variable counts people who, in the two weeks before Census night, provided unpaid care, help or assistance, to family or others, due to:

  • disability
  • long-term health condition
  • old age

It includes those receiving Carer Allowance or Carer Payment and covers occasional help (for example, shopping), if required by the person’s condition. It excludes care provided through voluntary organisations.

Scope

Persons aged 15 years and over

Categories

CodeCategory
1No unpaid assistance provided
2Provided unpaid assistance
&Not stated
@Not applicable
VOverseas visitor

Number of categories: 5

Not applicable (@) category comprises:

  • persons aged under 15 years

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.

Question(s) from the Census form

In the last two weeks did the person 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?

How this variable is created

This variable is created from responses to the unpaid assistance question, which are automatically captured from the mark box selections on the Census form.

History and changes

A question on unpaid care was first asked in the 2006 Census.  

In 2021, the variable name changed from 'Unpaid assistance to a person with a disability' to 'Unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, health condition, or due to old age'.

There have been no changes for the 2026 Census. 

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