14(c) Employers & Agencies

Supporting Agencies That Utilize Section 14(c)

We recognize the unique challenges and opportunities faced by organizations that operate under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Whether your agency relies on a 14(c) certificate, is transitioning away from subminimum wage, or wishes to maintain impeccable compliance while maximizing service impact, Vertex is built to support you.

What is Section 14(c)?

Section 14(c) permits employers to pay wages below the federal minimum for workers whose disabilities impair their productivity under certain circumstances, provided a valid certificate is issued by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division.

This framework aims to broaden employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in settings where full competitive wage may not yet be attainable.

Who Benefits from 14(c) Support?

If your organization is any of the following, the 14(c) module within Vertex can be a key asset:

Sheltered workshops or production centers
Community rehabilitation programs
Disability service agencies offering employment support
Nonprofits managing mixed-wage staffing models
Any organization preparing to navigate or phase out subminimum wage structures

How Vertex Helps 14(c) Employers Thrive

Our solutions are intentionally designed to streamline operations, reduce risk, and empower staff. Here’s how:

1. Flexible Pay Calculations & Payroll Management

Vertex’s Client Payroll Manager supports a full suite of wage calculations:

Piece-rate
Productivity-based
Prevailing wage
Minimum wage

All while seamlessly capturing productivity metrics, tracking demographic and disability data, and generating detailed compliance reports.

2. Data & Reporting Tools for Oversight & Accountability

We enable you to monitor performance, wage trends, and compliance across your workforce. Robust dashboards and reporting capabilities help you stay audit-ready and transparent.

3. Support in Transitioning Toward Minimum Wage Models

For agencies planning to shift from subminimum to minimum wage practices, Vertex offers tools that ease the transition:

Time tracking and scheduling flexibility
Clear documentation of progress
Seamless integration with payroll changes

4. Regulation Monitoring & Adaptation Support

With the 14(c) program’s future subject to evolving federal and state policy, Vertex remains committed to staying current. We assist you in adapting your workflows and maintaining compliance as rules shift.

Why 14(c) Remains Critical Today

Our solutions are intentionally designed to streamline operations, reduce risk, and empower staff. Here’s how:

The U.S. Department of Labor recently withdrew its proposed rule to phase out 14(c), reaffirming the program’s continued existence.

For many Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) organizations, the preservation of 14(c) provides certainty and flexibility in managing employment for participants whose earning capacity is impacted.

As the landscape evolves, some states are phasing out subminimum wage provisions, meaning agencies may need to plan for transitions or hybrid models.

Learn How Vertex Supports 14(c)

Embracing 14(c) operations doesn’t have to be an administrative burden. Let Vertex be your partner in efficient, compliant, and mission-driven employment.

Contact us today to explore how our platform supports 14(c) workflows, optimizes payroll, and helps your agency succeed.