People with disabilities to get extra help to secure jobs

More is being done to help people with disabilities get jobs after they turn 18 and graduate from special education schools.

- Shermaine Ang

Under Budget 2025, employers will get more support to offset the wages of people with disabilities, with the Enabling Employment Credit extended till end-2028.

The scheme, originally set up to run from 2021 to 2025, provides up to 20 per cent wage support for workers with disabilities earning below $4,000 per month. This is capped at $400 a month per worker.

Companies that hire people with disabilities who have not been working for at least six months get an extra 20 per cent in wage offsets, capped at $400 a month per worker for the first nine months.

In his Budget speech on Feb 18, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted that the Government's investments in early intervention and special education have laid "good foundations" in supporting people with disabilities.

But many parents worry about what happens after their children turn 18 and graduate from the structured environment of a special education school, he said.

PM Wong said those progressing to work may need more support to build up their work readiness and adjust to their workplace.

He cited the experience of Ms Sharlyne Lee, who graduated from St Andrew's Autism School in 2021.