The Coalition Government is encouraging eligible Territorians with intellectual impairment to register for the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) Payment Scheme.

The scheme will deliver one-off payments of at least $100 to around 10,000 supported employees of Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) who had their wage calculated using the BSWAT sometime between 2004 and 2014.

Country Liberals Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion, said that to apply for a payment, people had to register by 30 April 2017.

“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,” Senator Scullion said.

Senator Scullion said that ADEs provided valuable employment opportunities for approximately 20,000 workers across the country.

“ADEs offer 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,” Senator Scullion said.

The Department of Social Services has sent an application form to people who may be eligible for the BSWAT Payment Scheme.

If a person completes and returns the form by 30 April, the department will automatically register the 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 and then apply for payment by 30 November 2017,” Senator Scullion said.

“A payment could make a big difference to someone’s life, and I encourage anyone who is eligible to register.”

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.