Different Rules for Different Carers
The hours a carer can work in Australia are not a single, straightforward figure. The answer is determined by whether the carer is a paid employee or an informal (unpaid) carer receiving a Centrelink payment. Paid carers are covered by industrial awards and the Fair Work Act, while informal carers have their work hours regulated by Services Australia to maintain their eligibility for financial support.
Maximum Hours for Paid Employees
For professional carers working for an organisation in aged care or disability support, the standard maximum ordinary hours are 38 hours per week. However, employers can request an employee to work reasonable extra hours, which are typically paid at overtime rates.
The Fair Work Act outlines what constitutes “reasonable” additional hours, taking into account factors like the employee’s health and safety, family responsibilities, and the workplace's needs. Employment contracts, enterprise agreements, and specific awards can also define ordinary hours and how they are averaged over a period longer than a week.
Carer Payment and Employment Limits
From March 20, 2025, informal carers receiving a Carer Payment can engage in paid or self-employed work for up to 100 hours over a four-week period and still be eligible for their payment. This change, from a previous 25-hour-per-week limit, provides significantly more flexibility. Importantly, the 100-hour limit only includes time spent working, not the time spent caring for the person.
If an informal carer works more than 100 hours in a four-week period, they can use one or more of their 63 temporary cessation of care days (respite days) per calendar year to cover the excess hours and maintain their payment. If respite days are not used or have been exhausted, their Carer Payment may be suspended for up to 26 weeks.
Sector-Specific Awards for Paid Carers
Specific industrial awards define working conditions for paid carers, with different rules for various care types.
The Aged Care Award (MA000018)
For full-time employees in aged care, the ordinary hours are an average of 38 per week, which can be averaged over periods of up to four weeks (152 hours). Different shift rules apply:
- Day Shifts: Maximum of 8 hours, generally worked between 6 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
- Night Shifts: Maximum of 10 hours.
- Broken Shifts: Part-time and casual employees can work shifts split into two periods, with a maximum 12-hour span.
The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award
This award covers many home care and disability support workers.
- 24-hour Care Shifts: For home care, a carer can agree to be available for a 24-hour period, during which they are paid for 8 hours of work at a higher rate. Any work beyond 8 hours is paid as overtime.
- Remote Work: Specific penalty rates apply for remote work hours outside the standard span.
How Awards and Payments Compare
To better understand the different working hour limits, the following table provides a comparison based on the carer's employment or support status.
| Type of Carer | Basis for Hours | Standard Limit | Overtime/Excess Hours | Key Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paid Aged Care Employee | Aged Care Award | 38 average hours per week | Paid as overtime above standard/rostered hours | Fair Work Ombudsman, Aged Care Award |
| Paid Home/Disability Support Worker | SCHADS Award | 38 average hours per week | Paid as overtime above standard/rostered hours | Fair Work Ombudsman, SCHADS Award |
| Informal Carer (Carer Payment) | Services Australia | 100 hours over 4 weeks (work time only) | Must use respite days or face payment suspension | Services Australia |
| Informal Carer (No Payment) | N/A (unpaid care) | N/A (no government limit) | Can impact ability to maintain other paid work | Carers Australia |
The Role of Overtime and Compensation
For paid carers, exceeding ordinary hours triggers overtime pay, with rates typically increasing for nights, weekends, and public holidays. The exact rates and conditions are defined by the applicable award or enterprise agreement. Employees can refuse a request for unreasonable overtime.
Informal carers on Carer Payment receive financial support from the government, which is not an employment relationship. Their limits are tied to payment eligibility, not traditional overtime compensation. Their work hours are reported to Services Australia to ensure they remain qualified.
Important Considerations for Carers
Navigating working hours can be complex. Paid carers need to understand their specific award and employment contract, including provisions for averaging hours, breaks, and overtime.
Informal carers must track their work hours accurately to report to Services Australia, ensuring they don't jeopardize their financial support. They should also consider the mental and physical toll of long hours, both paid and unpaid.
For authoritative information on employment rights, visiting the official Fair Work Ombudsman website is recommended: https://www.fairwork.gov.au
Conclusion: Your Carer Status Determines Your Hours
Ultimately, there is no single answer to how many hours a week can a carer work in Australia?. The rules are clearly defined but depend on your specific circumstances. Paid carers must adhere to employment laws and industrial awards, with a baseline of 38 ordinary hours per week plus reasonable overtime. Informal carers on Carer Payment have a flexible 100-hour-per-four-weeks limit for paid work. Understanding your role and the relevant regulations is essential for managing your hours effectively while providing quality care.
