The SCHADS Award — the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (MA000100) — sets minimum pay and conditions for many Australian care, community and NDIS workers. It covers classifications, broken shifts, sleepovers, allowances and penalty rates, and is one of the most complex awards to apply correctly in payroll.
SCHADS applies to employers and employees in social and community services, home care, disability services (including many NDIS providers), and family day care. If your organisation delivers these services, your award-covered staff are likely paid under SCHADS — though some roles may sit under a different award or an enterprise agreement. If unsure, confirm coverage against the award or seek advice.
Rates note: SCHADS pay rates, allowances and penalties change at least annually, usually from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. For current figures, always check the Fair Work SCHADS Pay Guide before running pay.
See our companion overview: SCHADS Award pay rates explained.
SCHADS is exactly where automated award interpretation earns its keep. Employment Star configures SCHADS classifications, broken shifts, sleepovers, allowances and penalties in Employment Hero, tests them against real rosters, and audits past pay runs for errors. Learn more about our award interpretation and payroll consulting and training.
The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (MA000100) — the modern award setting minimum pay and conditions for many Australian care, community and NDIS workers.
Often, yes. Many NDIS and disability-services roles are covered by SCHADS, though some may fall under another award or an enterprise agreement. Confirm coverage for each role.
Classifications and pay points, broken shifts, sleepovers, travel and other allowances, and multiple penalty/overtime rules — all of which must be applied correctly to avoid underpayments.
In the Fair Work SCHADS Pay Guide, updated at least annually. See our SCHADS pay rates guide for an overview, and always check the current Fair Work figures before running pay.
Yes — we configure SCHADS classifications, shifts, allowances and penalties in Employment Hero, test against real rosters, and audit past pay runs.
Run SCHADS payroll with confidence — talk to Employment Star’s payroll specialists. Call 02 7803 7879 or request a free quote.
