Supported Wage System

Most Australians who have a disability and participate in the open workforce do so at full rates of pay. However, there are some people who find it hard to obtain or keep a job at full wage rates because their disability affects their level of productivity.

With the Supported Wage System (SWS), eligible people with a disability can access a reliable process of productivity based wage assessment to determine fair pay for fair work.

The SWS pays for wage assessments conducted by independent assessors. If a person with a disability is starting work in a new job, you may also receive a one off payment to help offset the cost of employing that person.

The SWS operates within the normal state and federal industrial relations frameworks. The assessed productivity applies to the wage rate only. All other employment conditions, such as the length of annual and long service leave and access to training, apply according to existing conditions of employment. The assessed wage rate is also applied to any leave entitlements of the employee.

For further information regarding the Supported Wage System contact Kate Higgins at Heta Inc. on (08) 8212 7771 or e-mail: heta@heta.com.au

See the 'Related Information' section on the left for more information.

Funded by the Department of Employment & Workplace Relations.