This complete SCHADS Award guide covers everything NDIS providers need to know about the award.The SCHADS Award (Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award) is the key industrial instrument governing pay rates and employment conditions for disability support workers across Australia. Understanding SCHADS Award compliance is essential for every NDIS registered provider to avoid costly penalties and maintain fair workplace practices.
What Is the SCHADS Award?
The SCHADS Award 2025 sets minimum pay rates, allowances, overtime penalties, and leave entitlements for workers in social and community services, home care, and disability support. Administered by the Fair Work Commission, it applies to all NDIS providers employing support workers, team leaders, coordinators, and administrative staff under the disability services stream.
Providers who fail to comply with the SCHADS Award risk significant back-pay claims, Fair Work investigations, and reputational damage. This complete SCHADS Award guide from Inficurex breaks down everything providers need to know about classifications, pay structures, and compliance obligations.
SCHADS Award Classification Levels Explained
The SCHADS Award organises workers into distinct classification levels based on qualifications, experience, and responsibilities. For NDIS providers, the most relevant classifications fall within the Home Care and Disability Services streams:
- Level 1 – Entry-level support workers with no formal qualifications
- Level 2 – Workers with Certificate III in Individual Support or equivalent
- Level 3 – Experienced workers with Certificate IV qualifications
- Level 4 – Senior support workers and team leaders
- Level 5-8 – Coordinators, managers, and specialist roles
Each classification level has multiple pay points that increase with years of service. Providers must correctly classify all workers to ensure accurate payroll processinUse this complete SCHADS Award guide as your reference when reviewing worker classifications.g and SCHADS Award compliance.
Key Components of the SCHADS Award for NDIS Providers
Understanding the complete SCHADS Award requires familiarity with several critical components that directly impact how NDIS providers manage their workforce and payroll:
Minimum Pay Rates and Pay Points
The SCHADS Award specifies minimum hourly rates for each classification level. Pay rates are reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission, with increases typically effective from 1 July each year. NDIS providers must update their payroll systems promptly to reflect new rates and avoid underpayment.
Overtime, Penalty Rates, and Allowances
NDIS providers must apply correct penalty rates for work performed on weekends, public holidays, and outside standard hours. The SCHADS Award mandates overtime rates of 150% for the first two hours and 200% thereafter. Saturday work attracts a 150% rate, Sunday work 200%, and public holiday work 250%. Additional allowances include travel, uniform, and first aid allowances that must be factored into payroll calculations.
For a detailed breakdown of current holiday rates, refer to our NDIS Public Holiday Rates 2025-26 guide.
Leave Entitlements Under the SCHADS Award
The SCHADS Award provides comprehensive leave entitlements including annual leave, personal and carers leave, compassionate leave, and long service leave. Full-time employees receive four weeks of paid annual leave per year, with shift workers potentially entitled to five weeks. Part-time and casual workers receive proportional entitlements based on their hours worked.
How to Ensure SCHADS Award Compliance
Maintaining SCHADS Award compliance requires ongoing attention to payroll accuracy, worker classification, and record-keeping. NDIS providers should implement the following practices:
- Conduct regular payroll audits to verify correct pay rates and classifications
- Maintain detailed time and attendance records for all employees
- Update payroll systems immediately when annual wage increases take effect
- Provide clear employment contracts specifying classification levels and pay rates
- Use NDIS management software to automate SCHADS-compliant timesheets and payroll
- Train managers on SCHADS Award requirements including overtime, penalties, and allowances
Inficurex helps NDIS providers automate SCHADS Award compliance through integrated rostering, timesheet management, and payroll processing. Learn more about how our NDIS management software simplifies workforce management.
Download the Free Complete SCHADS Award Guide
Our comprehensive SCHADS Award guide is available for free download below. This resource covers all classification levels, current pay rates, penalty rate calculations, allowance entitlements, and compliance checklists specifically designed for NDIS providers. For more free resources, explore our complete NDIS templates library.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current minimum hourly rate under the SCHADS Award?
The minimum hourly rate under the SCHADS Award varies by classification level and pay point. Level 1 entry-level workers receive the lowest rate, while experienced Refer to this complete SCHADS Award guide for detailed pay tables and classification structures.Level 8 workers earn significantly more. Rates are updated annually by the Fair Work Commission, typically from 1 July each year. Visit the Fair Work Commission website for current rates.
Does the SCHADS Award apply to all NDIS providers?
The SCHADS Award applies to most NDIS providers that employ workers in disability services, home care, and community services roles. Sole traders and some corpoThis complete SCHADS Award guide includes a coverage checklist to help you determine your obligations.rate structures may have different obligations, but the majority of registered NDIS providers fall under this award. Providers should check the Fair Work Ombudsman resources to confirm their coverage.
What happens if an NDIS provider does not comply with the SCHADS Award?
Non-compliance with the SCHADS Award can result in significant penalties including back-pay orders, fines from the Fair Work Ombudsman, and potential legal action. Repeated or deliberate breaches can lead to higher penalties and public enforcement proceedings. NDIS providers should use this complete SCHADS Award guide to ensure their payroll practices meet all requirements under the NDIS Practice Standards and Fair Work legislation.
Understanding the complete SCHADS Award is fundamental for every NDIS provider committed to fair employment practices and regulatory compliance. By using this guide alongside tools like Inficurex NDIS management software, providers can streamline payroll processing, eliminate classification errors, and focus on delivering quality disability services to participants. This complete SCHADS Award guide provides the foundation for building robust payroll compliance practices across your organisation.