Reservist employers subsidy boost

Employers of Defence Reservists who claim financial assistance through the Employer Support Payment Scheme will now receive more money, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Mike Kelly announced this week.

Employer Support Payments (ESPs) rose on July 1from $1123.30 to $1183.10, for every week full-time employee Reservists are away from their civilian jobs, once the qualifying period of two weeks and other eligibility criteria are satisfied.

"The scheme was introduced to provide financial assistance to both employers and self-employed reservists," said Dr Kelly.

"The weekly payment helps offset the costs associated with the absence of Reservist employees who are performing Defence service."

For Reservists in part-time employment, a pro-rata amount of the applicable Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) is calculated based on their weekly working hours.  ESP support is also available to self-employed Reservists whose business provides their main source of income.

In order for an employer to qualify for ESP payments, their Reservist employees must perform Defence service for five or more consecutive days after completing the qualifying period.

Employers can download claim forms at www.defence.gov.au/reserves.  

Defence Reserves Support specialists are available on 1800 803 485 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to help resolve any queries about the claims process.

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