Supported Wage System: A guide for Australian employers

Creating an inclusive workplace means providing opportunities for people of all abilities.

The Supported Wage System (SWS) is an Australian Government initiative that helps employers offer fair and equitable employment to people with disability whose productivity may be affected.

CVGT Employment’s Inclusive Employment Australia team can support your business and employee to access the Supported Wage System (SWS). This guide answers common employer questions and explains how SWS works.

A: The Supported Wage System allows employers to pay wages based on an employee’s assessed productivity compared to the standard expected for the role. For example, if an employee performs at 60% productivity, they receive 60% of the award or enterprise agreement rate. All other conditions of employment – such as annual leave, superannuation, and allowances – remain unchanged.

Most employees with disability work at the same rate as others, but some disabilities may affect how much work a person can complete each day. In these cases, an SWS assessment ensures wages are fair and aligned with actual productivity.

A: Some employees with a disability are unable to find or keep a job at full wage rates because their disability impacts their workplace productivity. SWS allows Australians with a disability to find sustainable employment where their disability is recognised, and their work capacity is considered.

A: Employers or service providers can apply for SWS for:

To be eligible, the employee must:

A: After the application is approved, an accredited assessor visits the workplace to measure the employee’s productivity against the standard for the role. The assessment looks at:

• Job description and usual tasks.
• Time spent on each task.
• Break times and supervision needs.
• Any workplace adjustments or assistive technology provided.

The assessor times tasks and calculates an overall productivity percentage. For example, if an employee takes 20% longer than standard, they may be paid 20% less than the usual award rate. The assessment is free of charge and funded by the government. Once completed, the employer and employee sign a Wage Assessment Agreement, which is sent to the relevant industrial authority. Wages are adjusted based on the agreed productivity rate.

A: There is no cost to employers for the assessment.

A: Yes. Employers can also access:

• Work Assist for employees returning after illness or injury.
• Wage Subsidy Scheme for additional financial incentives.
• Employment Assistance Fund for workplace adjustments.

A: Applications for the Supported Wage System are made online through JobAccess Secure, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. CVGT Employment’s Inclusive Employment Australia team will support you from preparing the application to coordinating assessments and ensuring compliance.

The application process includes:

1. Submit an application through JobAccess Secure.
2. The Department of Social Services (DSS) checking eligibility.
3. A work trial for the employee.
4. A workplace productivity assessment by an accredited assessor.
5. Signing and lodging the Wage Assessment Agreement.

Applications are typically processed within 10 working days, and CVGT Employment will liaise with JobAccess and assessors on your behalf to make the process smooth and stress-free.

A: Yes. Use of SWS is optional. Employers may choose to pay the full award rate.

A: No. All other employment conditions remain the same as for other employees.

A: An accredited, independent SWS assessor conducts the workplace evaluation and may suggest workplace modifications to support productivity.

A: Employees under the Supported Employment Services Award have a review every 12 months or sooner if job tasks change.