Subsidised wages for people with disability
Wage subsidies may be available to employers to help them take on people with disability in a new job. Wage subsidies are generally paid to an employer during the first few months of a person’s employment, provided the employer intends to offer jobseekers sustainable and ongoing work after the subsidy period has ended.
The main type of wage subsidy available to assist people with disability is available through the Disability Employment Services (DES) Wage Subsidy Scheme. The Wage Start subsidy is also available to help employers take on people who have been receiving DES support for at least 12 months and can work at least 15 hours per week; or have been offered a job with their host employer after completing a Youth PaTH Internship. In addition, the Restart wage subsidy supports employers of mature workers (aged 50 years and over).
The wage subsidy process
To access a DES wage subsidy, the DES provider will:
- determine the need for wage subsidy assistance
- confirm jobseeker, employer and job placement eligibility
- negotiate the wage subsidy with the employer prior to the job starting
- complete and sign a wage subsidy agreement with the employer
- monitor and collect evidence of employment
- pay the employer
- claim reimbursement from the Department.
For more information on wage subsidies, including eligibility, speak to your Disability Employment Services (DES) provider.
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