Breaks, rosters and minimum shift rules under SCHADS
Your rights around breaks, rosters and minimum shift lengths as a support worker under the SCHADS award — minimum engagement, notice of rosters and rest breaks.
What is the minimum shift for a support worker under SCHADS?
How do broken shifts work, and do you get paid extra?
When are you entitled to meal breaks and rest breaks?
How much notice do you get for your roster, and can it be changed?
How much rest are you owed between shifts?
How are sleepovers and overnight shifts paid?
Do you get paid for travel and time between clients?
SCHADS penalty rates and loadings at a glance
Common mistakes and what to watch for
What to do if your roster breaks these rules
Frequently asked questions
Is the minimum shift for a support worker always 2 hours?
For most part-time and casual disability support workers under SCHADS the minimum engagement is 2 hours, meaning you're paid at least 2 hours even for a shorter visit. However, it can vary with your classification, employment type and stream, and a small number of arrangements differ. Always confirm your specific minimum through the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool or the SCHADS award (MA000100) rather than relying on a provider's word.
Can my employer cancel a shift on the day without paying me?
Not necessarily — SCHADS has rules about short-notice changes and cancellations, and you may still be entitled to payment or the minimum engagement depending on the notice given. Keep a record of when the cancellation happened and how much notice you got. Check the specific clauses via the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool, and if it keeps happening without payment, raise it in writing.
What's the difference between the SCHADS rate and the NDIS price limit?
The SCHADS rate is what you, the worker, are paid under the award — your base rate plus loadings and allowances. The NDIS price limit is the separate maximum a provider can charge a participant's plan for a support. They're set by different systems and are not interchangeable, so a low NDIS price is never a valid reason to pay you below your award entitlement.
Do I get paid for a sleepover if I'm not woken up?
Yes. You receive a sleepover allowance for staying overnight and being available, even if you sleep through undisturbed. If you are woken to provide support, that active time is paid on top of the allowance at the appropriate rate. Confirm the current allowance amount and the way disturbed time is calculated through the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool, as these figures are updated over time.
How much break am I entitled to between shifts?
You're generally entitled to a 10-hour break between the end of one shift and the start of the next, which can be reduced to 8 hours by agreement in some cases. If you're required back before you've had that rest, you're typically paid at overtime rates until released. If your roster routinely gives you less, that may be a breach worth raising with your employer.
Am I paid for travelling between clients?
Yes — travel time between appointments during your working day is generally paid as time worked, and you're usually entitled to a per-kilometre allowance if you use your own car. Travel from home to your first client and back home from your last is normally unpaid commuting. Keep a log of the distances you drive between clients, and confirm the current kilometre allowance with Fair Work and the separate cents-per-kilometre tax rate with the ATO.
Who do I contact if I'm being underpaid under SCHADS?
Start with your own employer or coordinator, in writing, with your records and the correct figure from the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool attached — many underpayments are payroll errors. If it isn't resolved, escalate to the Fair Work Ombudsman, who handles award underpayment complaints confidentially. This is separate from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, which deals with participant safety and conduct rather than your wages.