Understanding Carer Work Hour Rules in Australia
The question of how many hours a carer can work in Australia is not a one-size-fits-all answer. The rules are fundamentally different for informal (family) carers receiving government benefits, and professional carers employed by an organisation. Navigating this landscape requires careful attention to the guidelines from Services Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman to avoid financial or employment issues.
Work Rules for Informal Carers (Carer Payment Recipients)
For many informal carers, receiving the Carer Payment from Services Australia is a vital source of income. Significant changes came into effect on March 20, 2025, which provide greater flexibility. Previously, a 25-hour-per-week limit applied, but this is no longer the case. The new rule focuses on a four-week period, offering a more flexible work-life balance.
- The 100-Hour Rule: Carers receiving Carer Payment can now work up to 100 hours over a four-week period and still remain eligible for the payment. This allows for fluctuating weekly hours, such as working longer during some weeks and less in others.
- What Counts as Work? The 100-hour limit specifically refers to paid or self-employed work where you are not actively providing care. Work that can be done from home and paused when the care recipient needs help may not be included in this total. Importantly, travel time, education, and volunteering activities are no longer counted towards the hours limit.
- Using Respite Days: If a carer occasionally works more than 100 hours in a four-week period, they can use respite days to cover the excess. Carers are typically entitled to up to 63 temporary cessation of care days per calendar year. This provides a safety net for situations like unexpected overtime.
- Reporting Your Income: Carer Payment recipients are still required to report their income and hours every two weeks to Services Australia. This can be done online through your myGov account, via the mobile app, or by phone. It is essential to keep this reporting up to date to ensure your payment is correct.
Regulations for Professional Carers
For individuals employed as professional carers in the aged care sector, working hours are dictated by the Aged Care Award 2010. The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces these regulations, which differ significantly from the rules governing informal carers.
- Full-Time Employees: Full-time professional carers typically work an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. This can be averaged over a roster cycle, allowing for flexible scheduling. For example, a carer might work 76 hours over a fortnight or 152 hours over a four-week period.
- Part-Time and Casual Employees: Part-time and casual carers are covered by the same award but have different entitlements. They may be rostered for broken shifts and are subject to minimum engagement periods (e.g., 2 hours per shift). Casual employees also receive a casual loading in lieu of leave entitlements.
- Overtime and Penalties: Overtime rates apply for working beyond the rostered hours. The Aged Care Award specifies maximum shift lengths (e.g., 8 hours for a day shift, 10 hours for a night shift) and penalty rates for shifts worked on evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Comparing Informal and Professional Carer Rules
To clarify the differences, here is a comparison table outlining the key distinctions in work hour regulations.
| Aspect | Informal Carer (Carer Payment Recipient) | Professional Carer (Aged Care Award) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | Services Australia | Fair Work Ombudsman (via Aged Care Award) |
| Work Hours Limit | 100 hours per 4-week period | 38 hours average per week (or 152 per 4 weeks) |
| Flexibility | High flexibility within the 4-week period. | Governed by rosters; flexibility is award-dependent. |
| Covered Activities | Paid work and self-employment only. Caregiving hours and travel time are not counted. | All paid hours worked, including overtime. |
| Over-limit Consequence | Payment suspension (up to 6 months) or use of respite days. | Overtime pay rates apply. |
| Leave Entitlements | Access to respite days (63 per year) for breaks in care. | Standard employee entitlements: paid/unpaid sick and carer's leave via National Employment Standards (NES). |
The National Employment Standards and Leave Entitlements
All employees in Australia, including professional carers, are also covered by the National Employment Standards (NES). The NES provides minimum entitlements to leave that can directly affect a carer's work hours.
- Paid Personal/Carer's Leave: Full-time employees are entitled to 10 days of paid personal/carer's leave per year, calculated based on ordinary hours of work. Part-time employees receive a pro-rata amount. This leave can be used to care for an immediate family or household member who is sick, injured, or has an unexpected emergency.
- Unpaid Carer's Leave: All employees, including casuals, are entitled to up to two days of unpaid carer's leave per occasion to provide care or support for a family or household member.
For more detailed information on your workplace rights and entitlements as a professional carer, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Conclusion
The rules regarding how many hours can a carer work in Australia are not uniform and depend heavily on the carer's specific circumstances. For informal carers receiving government support, the recent change to the 100-hour-per-four-week rule provides welcome flexibility. For professional carers, adherence to the Aged Care Award and NES is mandatory. Understanding these distinctions is essential for managing your work and caregiving responsibilities effectively while remaining compliant with Australian regulations.
