Employer Support Payment Scheme (ESPS)

About this grant

The Employer Support Payment Scheme provides businesses who employ a Reservist or a self-employed Reservist with payments when the Reservist is absent from their civilian workplace on eligible periods of Defence service.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Employers of reservists and self-employed reservists.
• If you're an employer of a reservist, or a self-employed reservist, you can get esps payments when the reservist is away on eligible periods of defence service.
• For full-time employees, esps weekly payments are the same as average weekly full-time adult ordinary time earnings (awote).
• Part-time employees get pro-rata payments.
• Employ a reservist or be a self-employed reservist
• Operate a business
• Have an australian business number (abn)
• Be a bona fide and registered employer
• Have employed the reservist for a minimum of three months prior to any periods of defence service for which the esps is being claimed.
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• Travel and accommodation contributions for tas apprentices and trainees
• Financial benefits for businesses that recycle oil

What the funding covers

• Weekly payments equal to average adult earnings.

How to apply

1. 1Confirm readiness: Ensure you meet criteria (e.g., ABN, turnover limits, GST registration), align project objectives with grant goals, and estimate time for evidence gathering and writing.
2. 2Gather evidence: Collect documents like financials, business plans, market research, project budgets, resumes, risk analysis, and support letters to prove capability and impact.
3. 3Register/log in: Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) if needed, sign into the relevant portal (e.g., Business Grants Hub portal), and note any prerequisites like advisory service reports.
4. 4Prepare and write application: Address all selection criteria clearly (project details, government alignment, costs, outcomes, benefits); keep concise, factual, and compelling; validate for completeness.
5. 5Review, approve, and submit: Proofread, get stakeholder sign-off, submit online via the portal before deadline (no late entries); expect eligibility check, merit assessment, and outcome notification.
6. 6Visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/employer-support-payment-scheme-esps for application details

Application tips