Hire eligible staff and you may be able to get financial support.
Wage subsidies of up to $10,000 may be available to businesses that hire eligible people into ongoing jobs. This can help with some of the initial costs of bringing on a new staff member and help ensure the success of their employment.
Talk to a provider about wage subsidies
These wage subsidies are available through the following provider types:
- Workforce Australia employment services providers
- Transition to Work providers
- Parent Pathways providers.
Talk to one of these providers about your recruitment needs. They can help you:
- find a person who is a good fit for your business
- check your eligibility for a wage subsidy
- explain how to access and manage the wage subsidy agreement.
Check your eligibility for wage subsidies
To be eligible for a wage subsidy, your business must:
- have a current and valid Australian Business Number (ABN)
- have an active account registered with Workforce Australia Online for Businesses, verified with myID and Relationship Authorisation Manager.
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, your provider 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. They'll suggest options to best suit both you and your new staff member.
Other eligibility criteria will apply. Find out more about eligibility and how wage subsidies can be tailored to suit your business by contacting a provider.
Access and manage your wage subsidy
If your provider offers you a wage subsidy, they'll send you a wage subsidy agreement to approve.
You must approve this agreement using your Workforce Australia Online for Businesses account within 28 days of your new employee commencing work.
For more information on how to manage wage subsidies on Workforce Australia, read our user guide.
If you're hiring as part of Real Jobs, Real Wages
Our Real Jobs, Real Wages program helps employers to grow and diversify their workforce. It also includes a wage subsidy and a potential secure work payment. Learn more at Real Jobs, Real Wages.
If you're hiring an apprentice
If you employ an Australian apprentice, you may be able to get financial assistance to help you hire, train and retain them. Learn more about apprenticeship wage subsidies and hiring incentives.
If you need help
If your business gets support from a provider, contact them first.
If you don’t have a provider, you can contact us.