Wage subsidies for employers
Access wage subsidies
Wage subsidies for employers can be up to $10,000 (GST inclusive) to help your business hire new staff.
You could get 40 per cent of the total wage subsidy amount, four weeks after hiring a new employee, as long as all eligibility requirements are met and the job remains ongoing.
At MAX, we can provide guidance to help you understand what wage subsidies your business may be eligible for.
Types of wage subsidies for employers
There are a range of government wage subsidies for employers, however the amount available will depend on the individual.
We can talk to you about this once through an initial conversation as we begin to learn what jobs you have available.
Workforce Australia and ParentsNext
- Youth Bonus Wage Subsidy – up to $10,000 or 100% of wages (whichever is lower) for customers aged up to and including 24 years of age.
- Workforce Australia Services Wage Subsidy (WASWS)- up to $10,000 or 100% of wages (whichever is lower) for customers 25 years of age and over.
All wage subsidies for employers are GST inclusive.
Disability Employment Services
Placements must be an average of at least 8 hours per week for at least 13 weeks with an expectation of exceeding 13 weeks.
- DES Restart Wage Subsidy- up to $10,000 or 100% of wages (whichever is lower) for customers 50 years of age or older.
Placements must be an average of at least 20 hours per week over the 26 week period of the wage subsidy agreement.
- DES Wage Start Wage Subsidy- up to $6,000 or 100% of wages (whichever is lower) for customers receiving DES support for a minimum of 12 months, and customers who are not eligible for Restart Wage Subsidy.
Placements must be an average of at least 15 hours per week over the 26 week period of the wage subsidy agreement.
- DES Wage Subsidy Scheme- up to $1650 or 100% of wages (whichever is lower) for customers who have not claimed two Wage Subsidy Schemes in the current financial year.
All wage subsidies for employers are GST inclusive.
What types of jobs can I offer?
Jobs can be full time, part time or casual. They need to be:
- An average of 20 hours per week over the 26 week period of the wage subsidy agreement (WASWS hours can be negotiated but must be a minimum of 15 hours per week)
- Ongoing
- Work that complies with employment standards for the position (for example is suitable work that pays as a minimum the national award wage).
(Apprenticeships and traineeships are also eligible to attract a wage subsidy for employers)
The job you offer cannot:
- Displace an existing employee.
- Be commission based, subcontracting or self-employment.
- Be work for an immediate family member.
Find out if you're eligible for financial support
Government wage subsidies for employers are available to businesses that:
- Has a valid Australian Business Number.
- Has not previously received a wage subsidy for the same employee.
- Is not an Australian, state or territory government agency.