Understanding NDIS public holiday rates for 2025-26 is critical for providers managing payroll, invoicing, and compliance with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission pricing requirements. Getting holiday pay calculations wrong can lead to underpayment claims, Fair Work penalties, and financial losses from incorrect participant billing. This guide covers the essential rate information providers need for the current financial year.
Why NDIS public holiday rates matter for providers
NDIS providers must navigate the intersection of NDIS Price Guide limits, SCHADS Award entitlements, and individual enterprise agreement provisions when calculating public holiday pay. Incorrect rate application affects both worker compensation and the amounts claimed against participant plans. Providers who fail to apply correct rates risk Fair Work compliance issues and potential NDIS Commission audit findings related to financial governance.
Key public holidays for NDIS providers in 2025-26
The 2025-26 financial year includes all national public holidays plus state and territory specific dates that affect disability support worker entitlements. Providers operating across multiple jurisdictions must track different holiday schedules and apply the correct rates based on each worker’s location of service delivery. Major dates include Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Queen’s Birthday, and Christmas period holidays.
Understanding SCHADS Award holiday rates
Under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award, support workers are entitled to penalty rates for work performed on public holidays. These rates vary based on worker classification, employment type, and the specific holiday. Permanent employees typically receive 250% of their base rate, while casual workers receive higher loadings to account for their casual loading component.
NDIS Price Guide limits for public holidays
- Weekday public holiday rates: The NDIS Price Guide sets specific price limits for supports delivered on public holidays that differ from standard weekday rates
- Provider travel allowances: Travel time on public holidays may attract different rate limits depending on the support category
- Non-face-to-face activities: Administrative and reporting tasks performed on public holidays have separate pricing provisions
- Short notice cancellations: Cancellation fees on public holidays follow specific rules within the Price Guide framework
- Temporary transformation loading: Additional loadings may apply during transitional pricing periods
Managing payroll compliance during holiday periods
Accurate payroll processing during public holidays requires providers to verify each worker’s award classification, confirm applicable penalty rates, check state-specific holiday calendars, and ensure billing aligns with NDIS Price Guide maximums. Many providers use NDIS management software to automate these calculations and reduce the risk of manual errors that lead to compliance issues.
Common mistakes with NDIS holiday rate calculations
Frequent errors include applying incorrect penalty rate multipliers, failing to account for state-specific holidays, miscalculating casual loading on top of penalty rates, not adjusting billing to reflect holiday pricing limits, and overlooking part-time employee entitlements when public holidays fall on their regular working days. Each of these mistakes can result in significant financial exposure for providers.
Download your free NDIS Public Holiday Rates guide
Stay compliant with NDIS pricing and SCHADS Award requirements throughout the 2025-26 financial year. This comprehensive rates guide provides the reference information providers need for accurate payroll processing and participant billing during every public holiday period. Download your copy today to ensure your organisation applies the correct rates consistently.