Sleepovers · MA000100

SCHADS Sleepover Allowance Explained

1 Jul 2026 Updated 1 Jul 2026 By Fitz HR 4 min read Reviewed against FWO Pay Guide MA000100

Sleepovers are a defining feature of disability and home-care rostering — and a frequent source of underpayment. This guide sets out how the SCHADS Award MA000100 sleepover allowance works in 2026.

Under MA000100, a sleepover attracts an allowance of $62.87 per night. The sleepover covers the requirement to be available overnight; any time the worker is woken to perform active duty is paid separately at the applicable rate, not absorbed by the allowance. A sleepover also carries minimum break and facility requirements.

Rates current as at 2026-07-01 (Annual Wage Review), sourced from the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide MA000100. Next review 2027-07-01.

Sleepover — At a Glance

Sleepover allowance: $62.87 per night
Active duty during the night: paid separately at the applicable rate
Plus minimum break and suitable-facility requirements

What Counts as a Sleepover

A sleepover is where an employee is required to sleep at the workplace (for example, a group home) to be available for work if needed overnight. The $62.87 allowance compensates for that availability. The employer must provide a proper sleeping facility and the employee is entitled to a continuous break.

How Active Duty Is Paid

If the worker is woken to perform active duty during the sleepover, that time is paid separately at the applicable rate (including any weekend or public holiday penalty) — it is not covered by the sleepover allowance. Treating the flat allowance as covering call-outs is a common and costly error.

Sleepovers vs Overnight Shifts

A sleepover is different from a rostered overnight (active) shift, which is paid as ordinary or shift hours throughout. If the worker is expected to be awake and working for most of the night, that is a shift — not a sleepover — and must be paid accordingly.

Common Mistakes That Trigger Audits

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Treating the allowance as covering call-outs. Active duty during a sleepover is paid separately at the applicable rate.
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Calling an active overnight shift a "sleepover". If the worker is awake and working, it is a shift, not a sleepover.
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Skipping the facility and break requirements. A proper sleeping facility and a continuous break are part of the entitlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the SCHADS sleepover allowance in 2026?
$62.87 per night under MA000100, on top of pay for any active work performed during the night.
Is active work during a sleepover paid separately?
Yes. Any time the worker is woken to perform duties is paid at the applicable rate — including weekend or public holiday penalties — not absorbed by the sleepover allowance.
What is the difference between a sleepover and an overnight shift?
A sleepover is availability while asleep; an overnight shift is active work. If the worker is expected to be awake and working, it must be paid as a shift, not a sleepover.
Does an employer have to provide sleeping facilities?
Yes — a suitable, separate sleeping facility, and the employee is entitled to a continuous break.

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SCHADS Sleepover Allowance Explained — FAQ

How much is the SCHADS sleepover allowance in 2026? $62.87 per night under MA000100, on top of pay for any active work performed during the night.

Is active work during a sleepover paid separately? Yes. Any time the worker is woken to perform duties is paid at the applicable rate — including weekend or public holiday penalties — not absorbed by the sleepover allowance.

What is the difference between a sleepover and an overnight shift? A sleepover is availability while asleep; an overnight shift is active work. If the worker is expected to be awake and working, it must be paid as a shift, not a sleepover.

Does an employer have to provide sleeping facilities? Yes — a suitable, separate sleeping facility, and the employee is entitled to a continuous break.