Applications are now open for the worker retention payment.
The worker retention payment will support a 15% wage increase for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce over 2 years.
Providers opt-in by applying for the payment. The payment will be issued to eligible providers through a grant agreement. Providers must pass the payment on to eligible ECEC workers.
Providers can now apply for the worker retention payment.
Providers must read and understand the grant guidelines before applying. The application must be completed by a person with management or control (PMC).
Providers can apply at any time before 30 September 2026.
We understand for some providers meeting certain conditions, like having a workplace instrument, may take time. We will backdate payments to 2 December 2024 for providers that:
- apply by 30 June 2025
- meet the eligibility criteria from 2 December 2024.
First regular payments will be made to eligible providers in January 2025.
See how to apply for the worker retention payment for more information.
Providers, services, PMCs and sector stakeholders are also invited to attend our worker retention payment webinar at 2 pm AEDT on Thursday 10 October 2024 to learn more.