SCHADS Award Pay Guide 2026: Minimum Rates, Allowances and Employer Obligations
Changes to minimum pay rates and allowances under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award [MA000100] (SCHADS Award) apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
Employers covered by the SCHADS Award should review their payroll systems, employment classifications and pay practices to ensure employees continue to receive their correct entitlements.
Download our 2026 SCHADS Award Pay Guide for a summary of the updated rates, allowances and key changes.
Download the current 2026 SCHADS Award Pay Guide >
What is the SCHADS Award?
The SCHADS Award sets out minimum employment conditions for many employees working in the social and community services, disability, home care and crisis accommodation sectors.
It covers important employment conditions including:
minimum wages and classification rates;
allowances;
overtime and penalty rates;
broken shift arrangements;
sleepover provisions;
overtime and time off in lieu;
leave and other workplace entitlements.
Employers must ensure employees are correctly classified and paid in accordance with the applicable award requirements.
What changed under the SCHADS Award in 2026?
From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, SCHADS Award minimum rates and allowances increased following the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review.
Employers should check that:
employee pay rates have been updated;
payroll systems reflect the new rates;
allowances and penalties have been reviewed;
employees remain correctly classified under the Award.
Even small payroll errors can accumulate over time, particularly across large workforces or where employees work varied hours, shifts or classifications.
Why SCHADS Award compliance matters
SCHADS Award compliance can be complex due to the range of classifications, allowances and working arrangements across the sector.
Common payroll risks include:
employees being paid under the wrong classification;
incorrect allowance payments;
missed overtime or penalty rates;
incorrect treatment of sleepovers or broken shifts;
outdated employment contracts or payroll settings.
Regular reviews can help employers identify and address issues before they become costly underpayment problems.
Frequently asked questions
When do the 2026 SCHADS Award pay increases apply?
The updated SCHADS Award rates apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
Employers should update payroll systems from the correct date rather than applying changes retrospectively from 1 July if the pay period has already commenced.
Who is covered by the SCHADS Award?
The SCHADS Award applies to many employees working in sectors including:
disability services;
social and community services;
home care;
crisis accommodation;
family services;
community support services.
Coverage depends on the nature of the work performed and the employer’s industry.
How do I know if my employees are paid correctly under the SCHADS Award?
A payroll compliance review can help identify whether employees are:
classified correctly;
receiving the right rates;
being paid applicable allowances;
receiving correct overtime and penalty entitlements.
Workplace Plus can assist employers with SCHADS Award reviews, payroll compliance and workforce guidance.
Download the 2026 SCHADS Award Pay Guide
Our SCHADS Award Pay Guide provides employers with a practical reference for the latest rates and changes.
Download the current 2026 SCHADS Award Pay Guide >
Need help with SCHADS Award compliance?
Workplace Plus helps employers navigate complex employment obligations, including SCHADS Award interpretation, payroll compliance reviews and workforce support.
Register for SCHADS Know Your Award training >
