Subsidies to support hiring
To motivate and support organisations to proactively employ our disability community, Work and Income offer subsidies and grants to businesses.
Our disability community make up a huge proportion of our population, but taking the step to make a workplace more accessible can be a challenge for smaller organisations. Work and Income provide supports to make this easier.
Work and Income supports employers who hire people with disabilities or health conditions through several programs. Employers can access guidance and advice on how to hire, manage, and support people with disabilities. They may also provide job coaches to assist the new employee, ensuring a smooth transition into the workplace.
Wage Subsidies
Employers can receive financial assistance to help with the cost of training or employing someone with a disability.
Work and Income offers the Flexi-wage subsidy to assist employers in hiring individuals with disabilities or health conditions. This subsidy provides financial support to cover a portion of the employee's wages, facilitating their integration into the workforce.
Key Features of Flexi-wage:
Wage Contribution: Employers receive a subsidy that contributes to the employee's wages, easing the financial commitment of hiring someone with a disability or health condition.
Training and Support: The subsidy includes funding for necessary training and ongoing support to help the new employee succeed in their role.
Eligibility: To qualify for the Flexi-wage subsidy, employers must meet specific criteria, including demonstrating a commitment to providing a supportive work environment for the employee.
Application Process: Employers can apply for the subsidy through Work and Income by providing details about the job and the prospective employee. Work and Income will assess the application and, if approved, outline the terms of the subsidy.
By utilizing the Flexi-wage subsidy, employers can contribute to a more inclusive workforce while receiving financial assistance to support the employment of individuals with disabilities or health conditions.
Workplace Modifications
They offer funding for modifications to the workplace, ensuring it’s accessible.
Work and Income offers Job Support Funds to assist employees with disabilities or health conditions in obtaining necessary workplace modifications. This funding helps cover costs for equipment or changes to the work environment, ensuring accessibility and comfort.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for Job Support Funds, the employee must:
Have a disability or health condition expected to last more than six months.
Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
Not be receiving support from ACC or the Ministry of Health.
Be aged between 16 and 65 years.
Additionally, the employer must have:
Explored alternative funding options, such as through the Ministry of Health or ACC.
Sought professional advice if necessary, from sources like an occupational therapist, disability agency advisor, or support professional.
Funding Details:
The maximum funding available is up to $10,000, including GST, within a 52-week period. Eligible expenses include ramps, handrails and visual aids.
However, the Job Support funding does not cover training, work experience, temporary employment, modifications or equipment that would be required regardless of the employee's disability, modifications to buildings where there is already a legal obligation to provide access for disabled individuals and items solely for personal mobility
Application Process:
The employee must apply for Job Support Funds by completing the application form available on the Work and Income website. After submission:
A workplace assessment will be arranged.
The employer will receive an application form to complete.
If the quote for modifications or equipment exceeds $1,500, three quotes will be required.