SCHADS award pay calculator
Minimum hourly rates under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (MA000100). Pick your stream, level and pay point, then the shift you are working. Rates reflect the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2026 increase of 4.75 per cent.
Streams
4
All employee types
Increase
4.75%
From 1 July 2026
Sleepover
$62.87
Per night, on top
Min engagement
3h
Social and community
Allowances for this shift
Minimum hourly rate
—
Award minimums only. These are not NDIS price limits, which cap what a provider may claim rather than what a worker is paid. Carevo does not employ support workers and does not give payroll or industrial advice. Check your position against the Fair Work pay guide or call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94.
Common questions
What is the SCHADS Award?
The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award, code MA000100, sets minimum pay and conditions for most disability support, home care and community services employees in Australia. It covers four employee streams, each with its own classification grid.
Is the SCHADS rate the same as the NDIS price limit?
No, and confusing the two is the most common error. The award sets the minimum an employer must pay an employee. An NDIS price limit caps what a provider may claim from a participant budget for a support. A price limit has to cover wages, on-costs, supervision, insurance and overheads, so it is always higher than the hourly wage.
How is the casual rate calculated on a weekend?
On the base rate, not by compounding. A casual working a Saturday is paid the base rate multiplied by 1.75, which is the 1.5 Saturday penalty plus the 0.25 casual loading. It is not 1.5 multiplied by 1.25.
What is the minimum shift length?
A social and community services employee must be engaged for at least 3 hours. The other streams under the award have a 2 hour minimum. Shorter shifts still attract the minimum engagement payment.
How often do these rates change?
Annually, from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. The rates here reflect the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2026 decision of 4.75 per cent, effective 1 July 2026. This data is scheduled for re-verification by 7 July 2027.
Can my employer pay me less than this?
No. Award rates are a floor. An employer may pay above the award, and an enterprise agreement may set higher rates, but no agreement can leave you worse off overall than the award. If you believe you are underpaid, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94.
Rates by level
Each level has its own page with every condition, pay point and allowance worked out.
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