Can we get the Worker Retention Payment if we just pay award rates?

No. Paying award rates alone does not satisfy the grant's workplace-instrument condition. You need individual flexibility arrangements signed by at least 95% of your organisation's staff, the ECEC Multi-Employer Agreement 2024–2026, or an enterprise agreement embedding the WRP minimum rates. Employment contracts don't qualify either.

What are the WRP fee growth caps?

Hourly fee growth is capped at 4.4% in year 1 (8 Aug 2024 – 7 Aug 2025), 4.2% in year 2 (8 Aug 2025 – 7 Aug 2026) and 5.8% in year 3 (from 8 Aug 2026; new applicants measured from 17 June 2026). Late joiners face a cumulative 8.6% cap across years 1–2. Breaching a cap risks the grant being withheld, terminated or recovered; an Alternative Fee Growth Cap can be sought on financial-viability grounds.

How is WRP funding paid to providers?

Funding is calculated on charged CCS session hours, plus a 20% loading for on-costs (super, workers compensation, payroll tax, leave), and paid four-weekly in arrears. If funding falls short of your obligation, you can request a funding review through the CCS Helpdesk. The program has been extended to 30 June 2028.

Do agency and labour-hire educators get the WRP?

Yes — workers covered by the Children's Services Award or Teachers Award supplied through labour hire are eligible. The agency must pass the payment through to the worker; WRP funding can't be used for agency fees. Keep declarations and invoices as evidence.

Childcare WRP Employer Compliance Checker

Check your service's ECEC Worker Retention Payment grant compliance: eligibility, workplace instrument, fee growth caps and funding conditions.

Last verified: 9 August 2026

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