The Australian Government is encouraging thousands of eligible Australians with intellectual impairment to register for the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) Payment Scheme before the deadline of 30 April, 2017.
The Scheme will deliver one-off payments of at least $100 to around 10,000 supported employees of Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) who had their wage calculated using the BSWAT sometime between 2004 and 2014.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said it’s quick and easy to register online at: www.dss.gov.au/bswat or you can call the scheme hotline on 1800 799 515.
The payment could better people’s current living conditions in so many ways - from helping to buy a better working refrigerator or a new mattress, to furthering their education to increase their opportunities in the workforce. The list would be endless.
Mr Joyce said that ADE provide valuable employment opportunities for approximately 20,000 workers across the country.
“ADE allow people with disability an opportunity for social interaction and to contribute to their local community through work, and will continue to play an important role in the lives of people with disability into the future.” Mr Joyce said.
The Department of Social Services has sent an application form to people who may be eligible for the BSWAT Payment Scheme. By completing and returning the form by 30 April, 2017 the Department will automatically register a person for the scheme as well as process their application for a payment.
“If people want or need extra time to make a decision they can register by 30 April, 2017 and then apply for payment by 30 November, 2017,” Mr Joyce said.
“A payment could make a big difference to someone’s life, and I encourage anyone who is eligible to register by 30 April, 2017.”
For more information, to check eligibility and to register for the scheme, visit: www.dss.gov.au/bswat or call the BSWAT Payment Scheme hotline on 1800 799 515.
(ENDS)