NDIS providers face a complex landscape of compliance requirements, especially when it comes to the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS Award). This award governs pay rates, allowances, penalties, and conditions for disability support workers, and is updated regularly to reflect changes in the sector. For providers, keeping up with these changes and ensuring accurate payroll is not just a matter of good practice-it’s essential for legal compliance and the financial health of their organisation. In this post, we’ll explore how Inficurex’s SCHADS Award API integration automates and streamlines compliance, reduces administrative burden, and supports better outcomes for both providers and participants.
Why SCHADS Compliance Matters
The SCHADS Award is the industrial instrument that sets minimum pay rates, overtime, penalties, and allowances for workers in the disability sector. For NDIS providers, compliance is non-negotiable. Errors in payroll can lead to:
- Underpayment or overpayment of staff
- Penalties from Fair Work and regulatory bodies
- Failed NDIS audits and reputational risk
- Staff dissatisfaction and turnover
The complexity is compounded by frequent changes-such as the 2022 introduction of a two-hour minimum engagement period for casuals and new broken shift allowances-which directly impact provider costs and payroll processes
The Administrative Burden
Manual payroll systems require constant cross-checking of timesheets, shift types, allowances, and the latest SCHADS rates. Providers must also keep detailed records to satisfy NDIS audit requirements, which can be time-consuming and error-prone. According to sector reports, administrative burden is one of the top challenges for NDIS providers, diverting resources away from participant care.
How Inficurex’s SCHADS Award API Integration Works Automated, Real-Time Compliance
Inficurex’s SCHADS Award API integration is designed to eliminate manual errors and keep providers audit-ready. Here’s how it works:
- Automated Pay Calculations: The system calculates wages based on staff classification, shift timing (including night, weekend, and public holiday rates), and applies all relevant penalties and allowances automatically.
- Real-Time Award Updates: Inficurex syncs with the latest SCHADS Award changes, so providers no longer need to monitor Fair Work updates manually. Pay rates, allowances, and penalty rates are always current.
- Compliance Reporting: Generate audit-ready reports that demonstrate adherence to both SCHADS and NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
- Payroll System Integration: Seamlessly connects with accounting and payroll platforms like Xero or MYOB for end-to-end financial management.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Inficurex | Manual/Other Software |
|---|---|---|
| SCHADS API Integration | Yes | Rare |
| Real-Time Award Updates | Yes | No |
| Automated Allowances & Penalties | Yes | Manual |
| Audit-Ready Reporting | Yes | Manual |
| Payroll System Integration | Yes | Varies |
The Impact of SCHADS Award Automation
Error-Free Payroll
By automating calculations, Inficurex reduces the risk of underpayment or overpayment. For example, the 2025 SCHADS Award sets clear hourly rates for each level and pay point (e.g., Level 2, pay point 1: $33.41/hour standard, $50.12 Saturday, $66.82 Sunday, $83.53 public holiday). Inficurex applies these rates automatically based on shift data, ensuring staff are paid correctly every time.
Time and Cost Savings
Providers using Inficurex report dramatic reductions in payroll processing time-often from 20 hours per week to just. This frees up HR and management to focus on participant care and business growth, rather than paperwork.
Audit Readiness
NDIS audits require detailed payroll records and evidence of compliance with both SCHADS and NDIS Pricing Arrangements. Inficurex’s reporting tools make it easy to generate the necessary documentation, reducing the stress and risk of audits.
Improved Staff Satisfaction
Accurate, timely payments boost staff morale and retention-crucial in a sector facing ongoing workforce shortages. Providers who pay correctly and on time are more likely to attract and retain high-quality workers.
Navigating NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits
NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits set the maximum rates that can be claimed for supports, and are indexed annually to reflect changes in SCHADS Award rates and other cost factors
Providers must:
- Not exceed published price limits for each support item
- Ensure claims align with the correct unit of measure (hour, day, etc.)
- Keep accurate records for each claim
Inficurex helps providers stay within these rules by:
- Blocking claims that exceed price limits
- Applying correct rates for time of day, day of week, and support type
- Generating compliant invoices and service agreements.
Addressing Common Compliance Challenges
Broken Shift Allowances and Minimum Engagements
The 2022 SCHADS Award changes introduced new requirements for broken shift allowances and a two-hour minimum engagement for casual staff. Inficurex tracks shift patterns and applies these rules automatically, ensuring compliance and accurate payroll.
High Intensity Supports and Travel
Providers often struggle with the complexity of high intensity supports and travel claims. Inficurex’s system:
- Applies correct rates for high intensity supports based on NDIS definitions
- Calculates travel time and non-labour costs (e.g., $0.99/km for provider-owned vehicles) in line with NDIS rules
- Supports apportionment of travel costs across multiple participants when required
Short Notice Cancellations
NDIS cancellation rules differ from SCHADS Award shift cancellation conditions. Inficurex helps providers document and claim cancellations appropriately, ensuring they are not out of pocket when participants cancel at short notice.
Security and Data Protection
Inficurex is built with robust security measures, including ISO 27001 compliance, to protect sensitive payroll and participant data. Audit logs, role-based access, and encrypted storage ensure that only authorised personnel can access or modify records.
The Future of NDIS Compliance
SCHADS Award compliance is a moving target, but it doesn’t have to be a burden. Inficurex’s SCHADS Award API integration automates payroll calculations, ensures up-to-date compliance, and prepares providers for audits-all while saving time and reducing risk. By streamlining these processes, Inficurex empowers NDIS providers to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality, person-centred care.