Wage subsidies provide a financial incentive to eligible employers when considering the employment of job seekers with disability or with other barriers to employment. Wage subsidies are payments made to employers to help cover the costs of paying wages in the first few months of employment of a person with disability or a person experiencing other barriers to employment. They also aim to increase the competitiveness of job seekers, including those with disability.
Wage subsidies can also be used to address any additional demands you may perceive exist or experience in establishing an employee with disability into the workplace compared to other employees.
Wage subsidies are available through a number of programs including:
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Wage Subsidy Scheme for job seekers registered with Disability Employment Network members or Vocational Rehabilitation Services
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Job Seeker Account for job seekers receiving Intensive Support services with Job Network
- Wage Assist for very long term unemployed job seekers receiving Job Network services
- Wage Assistance for Indigenous job seekers participating in Community Development Employment Projects, or registered with Centrelink or a Job Network member as actively seeking work.
Employer role
Australian Government employment service providers may negotiate wage subsidies with you if you are eligible for this assistance, and when employment is offered under normal employee and employer arrangements, including the use of a relevant industrial agreement such as an award or other mechanism recognised by the Australian Government.
You must also agree that the employment arrangement will continue for the period required by the relevant wage subsidy criteria.
As an employer, you are required to pay all wages and meet all other entitlements for your employee as required by state or federal law and include payments such as superannuation, insurance costs, occupational health and safety requirements, tax and so on.
More information
For more information or assistance with wage subsidies, including eligibility criteria, call the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800 or contact your local Australian Government employment service provider.