We want to gain carers' trust: dept

The federal government wants to gain the trust of young carers wary of bureaucracy as part of a move to reduce their dependence on welfare payments.

The government in September released a report showing 16 per cent of young carers are likely to remain on welfare their entire lives, costing the taxpayer $5.2 billion.

It unveiled details of a new early intervention program targeting carers to ensure they're not stuck on social security.

Some carers met the report with suspicion, saying they felt targeted by the changes while others felt fearful they were being considered a burden on the system.

The Department of Social Services says it's important to gain their trust through the new program in order to improve their life outcomes.

"Young carers ... are sometimes quite distant from services setting, authorities or government agencies," official Serena Wilson told a Senate estimates hearing on Thursday.

"They're worried and fearful about what engagement will result in."

Ms Wilson said it will help carers improve their health and wellbeing and social participation, with some frequently missing school.

More than 60 per cent of young carers don't study beyond year 12.