Only 3 weeks left for BSWAT Payment Scheme

Eligible supported employees of Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) have less than three weeks to register for the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) Payment Scheme to receive a payment from the Australian Government.

The Hon Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, said it is very important that eligible people register by 30 April 2017 for the BSWAT Payment Scheme. If they do not register, they cannot apply for a payment.

“It is quick and easy to register online at https://bswat.dss.gov.au/ or by calling the scheme hotline on 1800 799 515,” Mrs Prentice said.

“People with an intellectual impairment who worked in an ADE and had their wage calculated using the BSWAT between 1 January 2004 and 28 May 2014 need to register.

“Once registered, people have until 30 November 2017 to apply for a payment.

“About 10,000 supported employees, including some former employees, could be eligible for a one-off payment. So far, more than 8,000 people have registered for the scheme.”

Eligible people can nominate somebody they trust to register on their behalf.

Clare, a nominee for her daughter Ashlea, said the payment could make a big difference to a person’s life.

“The payment could improve people’s current living conditions in so many ways – from buying a better refrigerator or a new mattress, or furthering their education to increase their opportunities in the workforce,” Clare said.

Chris, a supported employee, said it is also important for people to know that a payment will not affect people’s jobs, wages or the ADE where they work.

An Easy Read Handbook and a series of accessible videos explaining the scheme have been specifically designed to meet the needs of people with intellectual impairment and are available on the DSS website.

For more information and to register for the BSWAT Payment Scheme by 30 April 2017, visit www.dss.gov.au/BSWAT or call the BSWAT Payment Scheme hotline on 1800 799 515.