The Wage Subsidy Scheme is not a payment to you and you will never see it in your account. It goes to your employer, to cover the cost where a disability means a role has to be significantly adapted. Knowing it exists is what matters: it is an argument you can put to an employer who is hesitating.
Quick facts
- Paid to
- Your employer — you get your normal wages
- Rate
- €7.50/hour rising to €10 for larger employers
- Maximum
- €15,210 a year, based on a 39-hour week
- Reviewed
- Annually by the Department
How it works
The subsidy is paid to the employer, and the employer pays you your normal wages. It exists for the situation where a disability or health condition means a job’s tasks or role need to be significantly adapted.
The Department’s own example: a factory job expects 100 boxes packed a day; an employee with a disability packs 60. The subsidy covers the employer for the remaining 40.
The rates since April 2026
- 1 to 6 employees with a disability — €7.50 per hour, per employee
- 7 to 16 — €8.50 per hour, per employee
- 17+ — €10.00 per hour, per employee
The maximum annual subsidy to the employer is €15,210, based on a 39-hour week. The Department completes an annual review and can carry out monitoring.
Common questions
Who gets the Wage Subsidy Scheme money?
How much is it?
Is there a maximum?
Why does it matter to me if I do not get the money?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
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