ShiftCare vs. Deputy
Deputy is a software choice for general workforce management, but care teams have unique needs. See how ShiftCare’s purpose-built NDIS software helps providers save time, stay compliant, and focus on delivering better care.
Join 8,000+ care provider businesses that use ShiftCare
Subscriptions start at just $9 user / month.
Which Is Best For You?
The right rostering software should do more than schedule shifts, it should simplify compliance, reduce admin time, and make daily operations easier for everyone on your team.
Both Deputy and ShiftCare offer rostering and time-tracking features, along with integrations for payroll and accounting. But their focus areas differ. Deputy is designed for general workforce management, while ShiftCare is built specifically for NDIS, aged care and allied health providers – connecting staff scheduling with client records, billing, and communication tools in one platform.
We’ve weighed up how both platforms compare across key areas including rostering, payroll, documentation, and compliance, so you can decide which software best supports your care organisation.
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What Is Deputy?
Launched in 2008, Sydney-based Deputy is an employee scheduler software for rostering workers. It is commonly used by both smaller companies and large retail and hospitality enterprises.
One of its selling points is its SCHADS awards settings, which ensure compliance with employee remuneration and allow for a smoother, automated onboarding process for new staff. However, the platform isn’t integrated with the NDIS prices or regulations, which can make invoicing, billing and group rostering harder.
Today, Deputy operates in 100 countries worldwide. In addition to its Australian headquarters, it boasts offices in San Francisco, USA and London, UK that allow it to better meet the needs of international clients. The company has received series A and B funding from private investors.
What Is ShiftCare?
ShiftCare is a comprehensive software solution streamlining NDIS operations, from quick and intuitive rostering, to billing, payroll, automation and compliance management.
It’s an excellent choice of NDIS software thanks to its:
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Extensive NDIS integrations.
Monitor NDIS funds usage in real time along with spending projections. Invoice and get paid faster with bulk claims and integrations with accounting systems, from Xero to MYOB. With the latest price guide available in-platform, after its official release by the NDIA, you can be confident that you’re charging the correct amount for your services.
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Comprehensive range of workforce and business management features.
ShiftCare won’t just support your NDIS and care management. It will also simplify invoicing, reporting, rostering, timekeeping, expense tracking and more. Complete with a carer app, mobile admin app and a portal for family and friends, it will make it easier to communicate and manage admin while staying connected.
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A constantly evolving platform.
The platform is regularly updated to better meet aged care and NDIS providers’ needs. New features are regularly introduced based on feedback from users, who can also volunteer to test beta features.
What are the differences?
| Feature | Deputy | ShiftCare |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Australia, USA, UK | Australia, USA, Canada, UK |
| Price | From $5 user / month | From $9 user / month |
| Free Trial | 1-month free trial | 7-day free trial |
| Care Plans | ||
| Mobile Admin App | ||
| Payroll Integration | Xero, MYOB, Square, Lightspeed and more | Xero, MYOB, PayCat, Quickbooks and more |
| Security Industry Solution | ||
| Suggested Capacity | Small, medium & enterprise | Small-Medium Organisations |
| Rostering Staff & Clients | ||
| Time & Attendance | ||
| Progress Notes | ||
| Retail Industry Solution | ||
| NDIS Integration | ||
| Hospitality Industry Solution | ||
| Document Management | ||
| Split & Recurring Shifts | ||
| Call Centre Industry Solution | ||
| Custom Forms | ||
| Advanced Incident Management | ||
| SCHADS Award Interpretation | ||
| Quotes |
Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information and customer feedback as of November, 2025. All comparative statements are intended to be truthful, accurate, and evidence-based. ShiftCare has no affiliation with or endorsement from Deputy. Their name is used strictly for comparative purposes. If you represent Deputy and believe any information presented here is inaccurate or misleading, please contact us, we’re open to feedback and will review any substantiated concerns.
For a detailed overview of ShiftCare plans and pricing, please see our pricing page.
Which Software Should NDIS Providers Choose?
Both Deputy and ShiftCare will help you roster teams, onboard new staff and oversee employee remuneration.
Although Deputy is not integrated with the NDIS, it is acclaimed for its SCHADS awards. It is a strong option if you are looking for employee scheduler software to use alongside additional tools.
As well as scheduling and staff onboarding, ShiftCare offers NDIS integration, client records and document management, family access, real-time NDIS funds management and billing, and much more. It allows you to manage everything from invoicing to client communications from the same platform.
If you are considering changing your care management software, read our blog How to Transition to a New Care Management Software.
Features built to support NDIS Providers
Purpose-built to support care providers to save up to 90% time spent on admin.
- Time tracking and clock in and out
- Employee and staff management
- Integrated accounting - from payroll to client billing
- Real time scheduling with intuitive drag and drop functionality
- Mobile admin - to manage your team anywhere, anytime
- Job Board - fill shifts faster, minimise cancellations
Trusted by 8,000+ providers care globally
What Users Have to Say About ShiftCare
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4.6 overall on Capterra
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4.8 overall on Xero
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4.7 overall on Google Reviews
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4.6 overall on Software Advice
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4.6 overall on G2
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4.6 overall
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4.8 overall
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4.7 overall
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4.6 overall
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4.6 overall
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4.6 overall
It’s just really user friendly. I have some support workers who struggle with technology, but they found ShiftCare simple. That’s kudos to the designers.
In audit and compliance, we’ve got everything now. If we have any query about what we’re doing, it’s just at the tip of a finger.
Great app to get an instant update about your shifts and your client’s needs: behaviour chart, diet plan, care plan, medication and so on which helps give more personal care.
When a caregiver cancelled a shift on me, it used to take us 2 hours to find a replacement, now it takes me minutes with ShiftCare.
The admin that took a full day now gets done in about an hour. It’s definitely caused a lot less stress. I’m very busy, and it has given me time to focus on more important things.
My business has been with Shiftcare for around two years. It is a fantastic system. I save so much time in regards to rostering, sending invoices, staff management, and so much more. It also communicates with my accounting software with a few clicks of a button. I highly recommend Shiftcare.
Any questions?
What is the Deputy app used for?
The Deputy app is used for employee scheduling, attendance and workplace communication. Staff can view rosters, manage availability, request leave, swap shifts, receive updates and clock in or out. Managers use the broader platform to prepare rosters, approve timesheets, monitor attendance and send approved hours to payroll.
How much does Deputy cost in Australia?
Deputy’s Australian plans currently cost $6.75 per user monthly for Lite, $8.75 for Core and $13 for Pro, excluding applicable taxes. Monthly plans have a minimum spend of AUD $30 per invoice. Payroll, HR, enhanced messaging and advanced analytics may involve separate per-user add-on fees.
Does Deputy track your location?
Deputy can record an employee’s location when they use the mobile app to start or finish a shift or break. According to Deputy, managers see the location attached to that specific action. Location capture is not active continuously before the shift, throughout working time or after the employee clocks off.
Does Deputy do payroll?
Yes, Deputy offers payroll as an optional add-on in Australia. It connects employee records, rosters, timesheets and configured pay rules within the same system. The payroll add-on currently costs $5 per user each month, excluding taxes. Deputy also integrates with external payroll systems for businesses that want to retain another provider.
Does Deputy calculate SCHADS Award rates?
Yes, Deputy supports configured SCHADS Award pay rules, including relevant overtime, penalties and allowances. Its award interpretation tools apply selected conditions to recorded work hours. Employers remain responsible for assigning the correct classifications, employment details and rules, then reviewing calculations before payroll because software does not independently guarantee Fair Work compliance.
Is Deputy suitable for NDIS providers?
Deputy can suit NDIS providers that mainly need rostering, attendance, award interpretation and payroll support. However, it is a general workforce platform rather than dedicated NDIS care management software. Providers needing participant plans, progress notes, funding oversight, incident records or NDIS claims may need another system alongside Deputy.
Can I export my data from Deputy before switching?
Yes, authorised Deputy users can export various workforce records and reports before moving to another platform. Confirm which employee details, rosters, timesheets, leave records and payroll information are available in reusable formats. Complete the exports before cancellation, check statutory record-retention requirements and verify that the replacement system can import the files correctly.