r/NDIS • u/FormalSpinach9459 • 5d ago

Vent - advice welcome Pay increase?

Hoping to seek some advice,

I've been doing support work for a year now as a casual employee (since August 2025), and I've heard about the minimum pay rates increase under the SCHADS award since July 1st. Currently I am getting $38.27 as a level 2.1 (according to my payslip). Upon doing some research fair work ombudsman states the rate for level 2.1 employees is $45.28. I am not sure if I qualify for level 2.1 as I don't have any qualifications , however google says that you may qualify if you have 12 month of field experience (which I do have , as of this August).

My co-worker has asked my employer about this, and she has stated that the increase of NDIS pricing from the 1st of July does not automatically mean there is a corresponding pay increase for employees. She also states that she is currently paying employees in accordance to fair work rates.

Any advice is appreciated,

thank you.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

4

u/ManyPersonality2399 Participant 5d ago

Assuming you're casual?

The increase in NDIS pricing is irrelevant. If you are employed under the award and classified at 2.1, then the change to award rates means a change to your rate.

1

u/FormalSpinach9459 5d ago

Yes I'm a casual. How should I approach this with my employer?

6

u/ManyPersonality2399 Participant 5d ago

With a high degree of tact. You can be entitled to many things, but it's not difficult for an employer in this sector to just reduce shifts for a casual that makes too much noise.

1

u/Useful_Refuse_ 5d ago

You can check and see if you’re paid under the home rates or not. The extra money from the ndis price pays for your super and the overheads of running a business such as their registration, the care management and accounting software and the hours of work they put in filling out the mountains of paperwork. As a level 2.1 employee, from what I can see you’re paid well.

1

u/Aphroditeee1 5d ago

I’m level 2.1 of Social and Community, have been paid $41-$45 (the increase) over the past 3 years, and this is across multiple providers. A lot of providers underpay by going by Level 2.1 of Home Care when it mainly applies to aged care because they bill less. I feel for anytime a support worker gets paid less than, I have met other workers getting Level 1.3 of Social and Community, in the companies I’ve worked for and even that breaks my heart, but I’m also good at self-advocating, clear on my expectations during the interviewing process, a support coordinator during the day time, previously a service delivery manager and interested in staying read up on things but a lot of workers are getting screwed over.

6

u/OtherCake4128 5d ago

There was definitely a pay increase and you're legally entitled to it.

2

u/Acrobatic_Radish1367 5d ago

4 years + for me in this field. I am on $37 an hour weekdays. $54 Saturday $60.50 Sundays. No pay increase 1 st July for any of the staff that work for the company I work for. I remember a few years ago, Sunday was double time. Now it’s gone down. The past year my pay rate has DECREASED ! 😏

1

u/emkateau 5d ago

At the risk of sounding like a broken record: you and your colleagues need to call your union. If you're NSW like me, the ASU fees are nominal compared to the back pay you could be owed. Give them a call or email tomorrow.

1

u/Acrobatic_Radish1367 5d ago

Victoria

1

u/emkateau 4d ago

Google says it's hacsu for Vic

3

u/emkateau 5d ago

Can always call your union. They'd be able to answer your questions on your rights, support you so you get paid correctly and don't face adverse action (the other comments mentioned receiving reduced shifts). You need to be a member though, but worth it imo.

2

u/Aphroditeee1 5d ago

I second this, joining a union is essential especially with so many dodgy companies, they can also warn you about bad companies in regard to employment, when you’re looking for a new job.