A wage subsidy is a financial incentive of up to $10,000 (GST inclusive) to help eligible businesses hire new staff.
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.
Employers can access a wage subsidy if they:
- work that displaces an existing employee
- commission-based, subcontracting or self-employment positions and
- work for an immediate family member.
Employment service providers will make flexible payments to eligible employers over six months. Employees who are Indigenous Australians have immediate access to wage subsidies of up to $10,000 if all eligibility requirements are met. The following table summarises what subsidies are available to employers:
| Wage subsidy type | Eligible age range | Subsidy available |
| Restart | 50 years of age and over | Up to $10,000 |
| Youth Bonus | 15-24 years of age | Up to $10,000 |
| Youth | 25-29 years of age | Up to $6,500 |
| Parents | Any age | Up to $6,500 |
| Long Term Unemployed | Any age | Up to $6,500 |
Wage subsidies are available to eligible participants in jobactive, Transition to Work (TtW) and ParentsNext Intensive Streams. The Restart Wage Subsidy is also available to participants in Disability Employment Services (DES) and the Community Development Programme (CDP).
All wage subsidy placements must average at least 20 hours per week over the 26 week wage subsidy period. Employment must also comply with National Employment Standards.
Jobs can be full time, part time or casual. Apprenticeships and traineeships are also eligible to attract a wage subsidy.
Each wage subsidy is targeted to assist those who need it most. Please talk to an employment services provider to check your eligibility. A list of employment services providers can be found at: www.jobsearch.gov.au/service-providers or by calling the Jobseeker Hotline on 13 62 68 or the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.
