Government Wage Subsidy Scheme. Is Your Business Eligible? | Sarina Russo

There are a number of wage subsidies available that pay $10,000 over 6 months for recruiting an eligible job seeker. The funding is designed to support employers in offsetting the costs of onboarding new employees.

The following list outlines current subsidy programs and jobseeker eligibility requirements:

• Restart – for those who are 50 years and over
• Youth Bonus – candidates aged 15-24
• Youth – participants from 25-29 years of age*
• Parents – principle carer parents registered with an employment service provider *
• Long Term Unemployed – any job seeker registered with an employment services provider for 12 months or more*
• Indigenous – For any indigenous job seeker from their 1^st day of registration in employment services

*The Australian Federal Government has increased the maximum wage subsidy for all of the above wage subsidies to $10,000 for the period of 01 July 2021 to 31 June 2022.

If you’re hiring eligible employees with a diagnosed health condition or disability, your business may have access to:

• Wage Start - $6,000 for jobs of at least 15 hours per week, over 26 weeks
• Wage Subsidy Scheme – $1,650 for jobs of at least eight hours per week, over 13 weeks
• Restart - $10,000 for job seekers aged 50 and above, working at least an average of 20 hours per week

All wage subsidy amounts listed are GST inclusive

Under the current arrangement, full time, part time and casual jobs are all eligible for the subsidy, as long as they average 20 hours a week over the 26 week subsidy period.

To be eligible for all wage subsidies:

• the position must be ongoing employment,
• you must not displace another paid employee,
• there must be no pre-existing employment relationship with the employee
• you must comply with relevant employment standards for the position (incl. pay must at least meet the relevant award wage)
• the wage subsidy must not exceed the employee’s wages
• the position must not be commission based, subcontracting or self-employment
• the employee must not be an immediate family member
• your business must have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) and must not be an Australian, State or Territory government agency

If your business is recruiting an apprentice or trainee, there are additional incentives your business may be eligible to receive. 

For advice specific to your business and recruitment needs, or for assistance to confirm eligibility and the exact incentives your business may be eligible for, arrange a chat with our team today.