General information only — not legal advice. First speak with your employer, then if unsuccessful contact Fair Work or an employment lawyer.
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Aged Care Award Allowances 2025–26

Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000018

Allowances under the Aged Care Award are extra payments for specific conditions, skills, or expenses. They are one of the most commonly missed entitlements after penalty rates.

Current allowances

AllowanceAmountWhen it applies
Meal allowance (overtime)$16.62 per mealIf you work overtime for more than 2 hours and your employer did not give you notice the day before, you are entitled to a meal allowance of $16.62.
Meal allowance (further meals)$14.98 per mealIf overtime continues beyond a further 4 hours, you are entitled to an additional meal allowance of $14.98.
Vehicle allowance$0.99 per kmIf you are required to use your own vehicle for work purposes, you are entitled to $0.99 per kilometre.
Tool allowance (chefs)$13.41 per weekIf you are a chef required to provide and maintain your own tools, you are entitled to $13.41 per week.
Laundry allowance (per shift)$0.32 per shiftIf you are required to launder your own uniform, you are entitled to $0.32 per shift.
Laundry allowance (per week)$1.49 per weekIf you are required to launder your own uniform, you are entitled to $1.49 per week.

See also: Pay rates | Allowances & loadings guide

Source: Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000018, effective 1 July 2025.

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