Free productivity assessment for employers of people with a disability
The Supported Wage System (SWS) provides free productivity assessments for employers of people with a disability to determine wages based on the employee's productivity.
Employers may also apply for a one-off $1,000 payment to help cover the cost of employing a person with disability in a new job.
Applicants: Employers or service providers can apply for the SWS on behalf of an employee (employees in open or supported employment).
Employee eligibility:
- must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- be 15 years of age or older
- have no outstanding workers compensation claims against their current employer
- meet the Disability Support Pension (DSP) impairment criteria (assessment by Services Australia)
Job requirements:
- the job must be covered by industry awards or laws that allow employment under the SWS
- be for at least 8 hours a week
Additional details: SWS is available for new employees with disability and current employees who can’t do as much work and risk losing their job.
After approval, an assessor will visit the workplace to do a free assessment with the employer, employee, service provider and nominee (if any) on an employee's normal workday.
Employers can apply for a one-off $1,000 payment as part of the SWS application subject to additional conditions (see fundingDescription).
Get a personalised eligibility check — your match score, which criteria you meet, and what to watch out for.
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Last updated: 12 February 2026