Providing round-the-clock care is one of the most expensive services an NDIS provider can offer. Under the SCHADS Award, there are two distinct ways to roster overnight support: the Sleepover model and the 24-Hour Care (Active Night) model.
Choosing the wrong model isn't just a financial mistake—it's a compliance trap. Misclassifying an active night as a sleepover can lead to massive underpayment claims.
1. The Sleepover Model
A Sleepover is designed for clients who generally sleep through the night but need someone present "just in case".
Key Features:
- The Allowance: Instead of being paid an hourly rate for sleeping, the employee receives a flat specific Sleepover Allowance (approx. $60/night).
- Span of Hours: A sleepover is typically an 8-hour period (e.g., 10pm to 6am).
- Work Before/After: The employee must be rostered for at least one hour of work immediately before or after the sleepover period.
- Facilities: You must provide a separate private room with a comfortable bed, clean linen, and access to facilities.
The "Disturbance" Trap
If a worker is required to wake up and perform ANY work during a sleepover, they must be paid for that time at Overtime Rates.
Crucial: The minimum payment for a disturbance is 1 hour. Even if they get up for 5 minutes to give a client a glass of water, you pay for 1 hour of overtime.
2. 24-Hour Care (Active Night) Model
An Active Night shift is required when a client needs regular assistance throughout the night (e.g., turning, medication, toileting). The worker is effectively "on duty" and awake.
Key Features:
- Pay Rate: Paid at the hourly rate with a specific "Night Shift" loading (usually 15%).
- Weekend Penalties: If the active night falls on a Friday night/Saturday morning, weekend penalty rates apply to the relevant hours.
- No Allowance: You do NOT pay the Sleepover Allowance, because you are paying for the hours worked.
Cost Comparison: A Real Example
Let's compare the cost of a standard weeknight (8 hours, e.g., 10pm-6am) for a Level 2.1 Casual worker.
| Cost Item | Sleepover Model | Active Night Model |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wages (8 hrs) | $0.00 (Unpaid time) | ~$300.00 (8 x Rate) |
| Allowances | ~$60.00 (Flat Fee) | $0.00 |
| Total Est. Cost | ~$60.00 | ~$300.00 |
The Verdict: The Sleepover model is roughly 80% cheaper than an Active Night.
However, if your worker is woken up 3 times during the night, paying 3 hours of overtime on top of the allowance might make the cost comparable to an Active Night—with vastly more administrative headache and fatigue risk.
When to Switch?
A common industry rule of thumb: If a worker is disturbed more than twice a night regularly, you should transition to an Active Night model. This ensures better quality of care (staff are awake/alert) and avoids staff burnout.
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Unsure if you're correctly paying for broken shifts, sleepovers, or active nights? Upload your timesheets to CrossVault and let our AI check every line item against the Award.
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