Wage subsidies are a financial incentive to encourage employers to hire eligible participants in ongoing jobs by contributing to the initial costs of hiring a new employee. Wage subsidies can help to build a business and give employers greater flexibility in their hiring options.

Up to $10,000 (GST inclusive) is available for new employees who are:

• 15 to 24 years of age,
• Indigenous Australians, or
• 50 years of age and over.

Up to $6,500 (GST inclusive) is available for new employees who are:

• 25 to 29 years of age,
• parents, or
• registered with an employment services provider for 12 months or more.

For a summary of what’s available see the Wage Subsidies fact sheet.

Eligible businesses can receive payments over a six month period from employment services providers. Employers can negotiate how often they are made, for example weekly or fortnightly.

Employers can access a wage subsidy if they:

• have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• have not previously received a wage subsidy for the same person
• are not an Australian, state or territory government agency
• offer a job that is expected to be ongoing and for an average of 20 hours per week over the six months of the wage subsidy agreement
• offer a job that complies with employment standards for the position – for example, is suitable work and pays as a minimum the national award wage.

Some jobs are not eligible for a wage subsidy, including:

• work that displaces an existing employee
• commission-based, subcontracting or self-employment positions and
• work for an immediate family member.

More Information HERE.