The Flexi-wage subsidy administered by Work and Income supports job seekers into work and supports employers to hire staff.

The employee must meet Work and Income’s eligibility criteria and employers must meet certain conditions too. You may be eligible to receive Flexi-wage for someone you hire if:

• the role is either:
  • ongoing and will continue after the subsidy has finished; or
  • for a fixed-term project to help the community or environment, and teaches the employee skills they can use to get a new job
• you pay at least the adult minimum wage for the job
• you haven't dismissed anyone to make this position available.

As the employer, you negotiate with Work and Income on the amount of the weekly subsidy, the duration over which Work and Income will pay, and what support is required to train the employee.

Depending on how much support they need, you may be able to get a wage contribution for up to:

• $5,638.68 (GST inclusive) in total over 24 weeks, or
• $11,277.36 (GST inclusive) in total over 36 weeks.

Any wage subsidy paid to an employer by the government or public authority will normally be GST inclusive. If you are registered for GST, you need to include the amounts of subsidies received as part of total income in your GST returns.

Call the Employer Service section of Work and Income on 0800 778 008 to discuss the best options for your business.