Most Australian workers who have a disability receive full award or enterprise agreement rates of pay. However, if you cannot do a whole job when compared to another worker without a disability, then the Supported Wage System may be able to assist.

The Supported Wage System enables you to apply to be independently assessed to determine how much of the job you can do. The award wage paid to you is then adjusted to reflect the assessed percentage.

Overall, the system is designed to reflect the person's capabilities in the workplace and cannot be used as a tool for employers to bargain down wage levels.

The SWS can only be accessed by Disability Employment Network Services on behalf of an employee with a disability.

The assessed percentage of 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 the appropriate award or enterprise agreement, although payment of such conditions is at the pro-rata award wage rate.

	Graham is employed as an accountant and has the support of a Disability Employment Network service provider. He has accessed the Supported Wage System (SWS) and has been assessed as being able to do 70 per cent of the job, compared to co-workers performing the same duties. Graham, the employer and the assessor have agreed to ongoing employment at a pay rate of 70 per cent of the normal rate. Graham's productivity level will be reviewed every year whilst he is employed in that job and is using the Supported Wage System.

The Scheme is administered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations' (DEWR).

Eligibility

• You must have a disability and be is in receipt of Disability Support Pension (DSP) or deemed eligible, as determined by Centrelink.
• Your job or potential job is covered by a Model Clause or State industrial agreement.
• You are aged 15 years or older.
• Your employment is for a minimum of 8 hours per week.
• You are an Australian citizen.

Contact

Supported Wage System Management Unit telephone hotline 1800 065 123.

Further Information

JobAccess website:

• The Supported Wage System
• The Supported Wage System and Work Choices