Wage subsidies and funding

Wage subsidies are available to support employers who hire people with disability, illness or injury through  Inclusive Employment Australia (formerly Disability Employment Services). For more details, visit the JobAccess website.

• Employers may be eligible for up to $10,000 in financial assistance for hiring a new employee for 26 weeks. A job needs to be at least 8 hours per week to qualify for an Inclusive Employment Australia Wage Subsidy.

Employers must negotiate the payment of wage subsidies directly with an Inclusive Employment Australia provider such as CoAct Connect. Wage subsidies must be arranged prior to commencing the new employee, and can only be paid if the employer has signed a wage subsidy agreement with the provider.

Need more information about Inclusive Employment Australia subsidies? Chat with our team.

Wage subsidies of up to $10,000 may be available to businesses that hire eligible people into ongoing jobs through Workforce Australia, Transition to Work or Parent Pathways programs. For more details, visit the Department of Workplace Relations website.

To be eligible for a Workforce Australia wage subsidy, your business must:

• have a current and valid Australian Business Number (ABN)
• have an ongoing vacancy offering at least 15 hours of work per week
• have an active account registered with Workforce Australia Online for Businesses, verified with myID and Relationship Authorisation Manager
• approve your wage subsidy agreement within 28 days of the eligible employee starting work.

Wage subsidies are for new ongoing employment positions. They can be:

• full time
• part time
• casual
• traineeship or apprenticeship positions.

You can’t access a wage subsidy if the position is:

• already getting government funding
• a commission-based role
• a self-employment or subcontracted role
• filled by an immediate family member
• filled by someone you’ve employed in the last 2 years.

If you’re eligible, we will see if a wage subsidy is the best type of assistance for your situation. Other forms of support may also be a good fit. We’ll suggest options to best suit both you and your new staff member.

Need more information about Workforce Australia and Transition to Work subsidies? Chat with our team.

The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) helps Australian employers cover the costs of workplace adjustments for employees with disability, illness, or injury. This government-funded program supports businesses in making their workplaces inclusive and accessible, ensuring that employees can perform their roles effectively.

Commonly claimed items on EAF:

• Assistive technology (screen readers, speech-to-text software)
• Modifications to workstations or office spaces
• Adaptive equipment (ergonomic chairs, modified keyboards)
• Auslan interpreting services
• Disability awareness training for staff

Eligibility requirements for the EAF

• you must be an Australian Resident as defined in the EAF Guidelines
  • an exception to this requirement is where, from 1 June 2021, an Applicant is either a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) holder or a Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) holder
• you are currently in a job or have been offered a job that is expected to continue for 13 weeks or more
• you are working at least 8 hours per week
• or if self-employed, be working at least 8 hours per week over the last 13 weeks and earning an hourly income that is at least equivalent to the National Minimum Wage
• you have an ongoing disability that has lasted, or will last, at least two years. The disability must limit, restrict or impair your ability to work.

EAF for jobseekers

You may also be able to apply for the EAF if you’re an eligible jobseeker and need support. For example:

• if you need Auslan interpreting at a job interview
• assistive technology to help you look for work.

Need help navigating the EAF? Speak with our team.

The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System aims to help fill skill shortages in industries that need it most. It provides financial incentives to eligible employers.

Priority Hiring Incentive

The Priority Hiring Incentive is a payment for employers of apprentices in priority occupations. These are occupations which have strong current and future demand for skilled workers.

Visit the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website to see the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List.

Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support

The Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support is a weekly payment for employers who hire apprentices with disability.

Need help with apprenticeship incentives? Speak with our team.