Army | Challenge Yourself

The Employer Support Payment (ESP) Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible employers to help offset the costs of releasing employees for service in the Army Reserves.

Protecting your civilian job

This scheme is about allowing reservists to protect their civilian jobs and also to compensate the employers who release them for part-time duty to the Army. It benefits everyone. Employers have better trained and motivated employees, with skills and values to give their business an edge. The Army gains and retains trained and committed reservists. And you get to keep your job whilst fulfilling your ambition of serving in the Army.

The Employer Support Payment Scheme

ESP is paid at a weekly rate regardless of the employee's salary, and there are no restrictions on the way in which employers can use the money. Higher level payments may be authorised in the case of substantial financial hardship or loss or capability related Chief of Defence (CDF) approvals.

The ESP Scheme is administered by the Directorate of the Employer Support Payment Scheme. For more information on the ESP Scheme, please visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves.