Businesses can now register for the Federal Government’s new JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme, covering the wages of eligible workers by up to $200 a fortnight.

The wage subsidy is paid to employers who hire workers between 16 and 35-years-old who are employed on or after 7 October, 2020.

Workers between 16 and 29-years-old will be eligible for $200 a fortnight, while those between 30 and 35-years-old can receive a $100 wage subsidy via their employer.

The Australian Tax Office (ATO), who is administering the scheme on behalf of the Federal Government, is encouraging businesses to check whether they are eligible for the subsidies.

“We encourage employers to register from now to ensure their hiring credits can be paid promptly from when the first quarterly claim period opens in February 2021,” ATO Deputy Commissioner James O’Halloran says.

“Employers are reminded that new employees must have received the Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance (Other) or JobSeeker Payment for at least 28 consecutive days (or 2 fortnights) within the 84 days (or 6 fortnights) of being hired to allow for a claim to be made by the employer.

“There are some key dates to keep in mind, and simple steps employers can take now, but please remember that not everything needs to be done from next week.”

As of December 7, businesses can register for the scheme via the ATO website.

The JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme will end on 6 October, 2022.