Most Australians who have disability and participate in the open workforce do so at full rates of pay. However, there are some people who are unable to find or keep a job at full wage rates due to the effect of disability on their workplace productivity.
The Supported Wage System is a process that allows employers to pay less than the minimum wage by matching a person's productivity with a fair wage. With the Supported Wage System, eligible people with disability can access a reliable process of productivity based wage assessment to determine fair pay for fair work.
From 2 July 2007 applications for the Supported Wage System must be lodged via the secure 'Online application forms' link on the JobAccess home page. Further information on how to apply can be found at:
The following detailed fact sheet provides further information and direction on supporting people who are unable to work at full productivity, including information on the Supported Wage System:
The following information provides further information on an employee’s eligibility for the Supported Wage System and the administrative arrangements for the Supported Wage System Program:
Assistance for employers
Through the Supported Wage System, the Australian Government funds approved assessors to determine a worker’s productivity, with the resulting wage being paid by the employer. This means that there is no cost to the employer for the assessment.
If a person with disability is starting work in a new job, their employer may also be eligible to receive a one off payment to help offset the cost of employing that person.
Workplace relations frameworks
The Supported Wage System operates across both federal and state workplace relations regulatory frameworks. Further information on the operation of the Supported Wage System within these frameworks can be found at:
Case studies and success stories
Need help?
If you need information or have questions, please contact the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 065 123 or by using the Online Enquiry Form: