Broken Shift Allowance Rules
A broken shift (also known as a split shift) is a single shift interrupted by one or more unpaid breaks (excluding meal breaks).
Quick Facts
- 1 Break Allowance
- $18.43 per shift (approx)
- 2 Breaks Allowance
- $24.40 per shift (approx)
- Maximum Span
- Usually 12 hours max span
Tools & Resources
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SCHADS AI Assistant
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Timesheet Validator
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When is the Allowance Paid?
If you work, for example, 7am-9am and then 4pm-8pm on the same day for the same employer, this is a broken shift. You are entitled to the **Broken Shift Allowance**. Note: This is very common in Home Care and Disability Support.
Maximum Breaks
Under the Award, a broken shift can generally have up to **2 unpaid breaks** (in addition to meal breaks).
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the minimum engagement apply to each part of a broken shift?
- Yes. Each portion of the broken shift generally attracts the minimum engagement rule (e.g., 2 hours), unless specific provisions in the Home Care stream allow otherwise for certain tasks.
- Is travel between broken shift portions paid?
- Generally, travel home and back is not paid. However, the allowance compensates for this inconvenience.
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