: Disability Incentive & Allowances
Disability Incentive & Allowances
What is the definition of an apprentice or trainee with a disability?
An apprentice or trainee with a disability may experience difficulties in obtaining employment, maintaining employment or simply keeping up with some of the work and study required to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. This programme is designed to help address these barriers and to support employers, apprentices and trainees throughout this process.
An apprentice or trainee with a disability may have a permanent or long term disability, which is evident at the time of their employment. Alternatively, an apprentice or trainee may meet the eligibility criteria to receive disabled financial assistance if they become disabled either permanently or temporarily during the course of their apprenticeship or traineeship.
Employers may be eligible for assistance
There are a number of support mechanisms available (including financial assistance) that can assist employers in employing an apprentice or trainee with a disability.
An employer may be eligible to receive financial assistance if their apprentice or trainee…
- has a disability which impacts on their day to day work
- cannot wholly address their disability through medication or self management
- has not used this assistance programme before (some exceptions apply)
- meets the normal eligibility guidelines for Australian Government assistance
The Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) programme includes four types of financial assistance …
Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS)
- Used to offset some of the employers ongoing costs
- Provides up to $104.30 per week. Claimed monthly
- Paid on a pro-rata basis for part time staff
- Replaces the standard Australian Government incentives of up to $4,000.
- Assistance must be reapplied for and assessed each year
Workplace Modifications
- Addresses the immediate barriers facing the apprentice or trainee
- Provides up to $5,000 (excl GST) to undertake workplace modifications
- Can include the purchase or leasing of equipment
- Can include safety equipment, ramps, lighting
- Modifications remain the property of you or your apprentice or trainee
- Payment is made as a reimbursement to you the employer
Tutorial Assistance
- Assistance to help apprentices or trainees with their off-the-job training component
- Provides up to $5,500 (incl GST) per year
- Paid to the training provider
- Hours approved cannot exceed the apprentices or trainees off-the-job training hours
- Assistance must be reapplied for and assessed each year
Mentor or Interpreter Assistance
- Additional assistance to help the apprentice or trainee with off-the-job or on-the-job training
- Conditions apply as per Tutorial Assistance above
How Queensland Apprenticeship Services can help you!
Contact Queensland Apprenticeship Services so we can assist your organisation in finding employers who are interested in employing apprentices or trainees with a disability.
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