At just eight years old, Rose Cox's path through childhood and into adult life took a sharp turn.

Her 44-year-old mother became wheelchair dependent after being hospitalised for a year with a rare neurological illness.

Suddenly, when most children her age were still learning how to read, write and do homework, Rose was grappling with being the carer for her family.

Now 16, the Year 12 student juggles that responsibility with her final year of high school and receives just $8 a day through a young carer allowance.