A broken shift is a single day’s work split into two or more parts, with an unpaid break in between that isn’t a normal meal break. It’s common in disability support: a morning visit to help someone get ready, then an evening visit to help with dinner and bed.
The broken shift allowance
Each broken shift attracts a flat allowance on top of the hours worked:
- One unpaid break (two parts of work): about $21.81 per broken shift
- Two unpaid breaks (three parts of work): about $28.87 per broken shift
These figures apply from 1 July 2026. Check the Fair Work pay guide for the current amounts.
A broken shift with two unpaid breaks needs the employee’s agreement. One unpaid break is the standard arrangement.
The 12-hour span
A broken shift has to fit within 12 hours from the start of the first part to the end of the last part. Any work done after that 12-hour span is paid at double time (200%).
Example: a support worker works 6:00–9:00am, then 5:00–8:00pm. The span is 14 hours. The last two hours, 6:00–8:00pm, fall outside the 12-hour span and are paid at double time.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the allowance when a roster has a gap in the middle of the day
- Ignoring the span, so late evening work is paid at the normal rate
- Treating short parts as too small to matter. Each part of a broken shift should still meet the minimum engagement
- Calling it a meal break. A long unpaid gap isn’t a meal break, so the broken shift rules apply
Checking a broken shift
In the pay checker, add a shift, then click “+ Add a part (broken shift)” and enter the second part’s times. The checker adds the allowance, applies the 12-hour span and flags anything that looks off.