Minimum Wage Increase: A Guide For Disability Service Providers

Abstract

[Excerpt] The federal government has passed legislation that increases the minimum wage, the first increase in the national minimum wage in a decade. In addition, a number of states have recently increased the minimum wage beyond federal requirements. Given that many individuals with significant disabilities earn wages at or near the minimum wage, they are likely to be impacted by these changes. The increased minimum wage is a welcome opportunity for many individuals to increase their income from working. However, questions may arise regarding the increase in minimum wage, and service providers are encouraged to assist and guide the individuals they support to deal with any concerns they may have. There are additional issues that service providers also must consider, particularly if they pay consumers for work. The purpose of this fact sheet is to help guide service providers in this process.