NDIS employment supports help you find and keep meaningful work through job coaching, workplace modifications, assistive technology, and skill development. Employment is a key focus of the NDIS, with dedicated funding to help participants access and maintain jobs in open employment, supported employment, or self-employment.

This guide explains what employment supports NDIS funds, how they differ from Disability Employment Services (DES), the application process, and how to access workplace modifications and job coaching.

Why Employment Matters in the NDIS

The NDIS recognizes that employment is central to independence, community participation, and quality of life.

Benefits of employment:

  • Economic independence and financial security
  • Social connections and community inclusion
  • Skill development and personal growth
  • Sense of purpose and achievement
  • Reduced reliance on support services

NDIS employment statistics (2025-26):

  • 28% of NDIS participants aged 15-64 are employed (compared to 84% of general population)
  • 72% of participants report employment as a goal
  • Employment is the most common capacity building goal

NDIS investment: The scheme funds employment supports under Capacity Building (CB Employment) to help close this employment gap.

What Employment Supports Does NDIS Fund?

NDIS employment supports fall into Capacity Building: Finding and Keeping a Job.

1. Career Counseling and Planning

What it includes:

  • Career exploration and interest assessments
  • Skills assessments
  • Resume development
  • Interview preparation
  • Goal setting for employment

Who provides it:

  • Disability employment specialists
  • Career counselors
  • Support coordinators with employment expertise

Cost: $100-200 per hour (funded under CB Employment)

When to use it:

  • Before starting job search
  • When changing careers
  • After completing education or training
  • When unsure what type of work suits you

2. Job Coaching and On-the-Job Training

What it includes:

  • On-site workplace support during initial employment period
  • Task training and skill development
  • Communication support with supervisors and colleagues
  • Time management and organizational support
  • Problem-solving and conflict resolution

Duration: Typically 3-12 months, with gradual reduction as skills develop.

Example: A job coach might:

  • Attend work with you for the first 2 weeks full-time
  • Reduce to 3 days per week for weeks 3-8
  • Reduce to 1 day per week for weeks 9-16
  • Provide phone support only by month 6
  • Exit support by month 12

Cost: $60-120 per hour (depending on provider and complexity)

3. Workplace Assessments

An occupational therapist or workplace assessor evaluates:

  • Physical workplace accessibility
  • Task demands and accommodations needed
  • Assistive technology requirements
  • Ergonomic setup (desk, chair, computer positioning)
  • Environmental modifications needed

Outcome: Report with recommendations for employer and NDIS funding.

Cost: $400-1,200 for comprehensive workplace assessment

4. Assistive Technology for Work

NDIS can fund disability-specific workplace technology:

Examples:

  • Screen readers and magnification software ($0-3,000)
  • Voice recognition software ($200-2,000)
  • Ergonomic keyboards and mice ($100-800)
  • Specialized seating and positioning equipment ($500-5,000)
  • Communication devices for work tasks ($2,000-15,000)
  • Hearing augmentation systems ($800-4,000)
  • Task management and reminder apps ($0-500 annually)

Note: General workplace technology (standard laptops, monitors, office software) is the employer’s responsibility.

5. Workplace Modifications

NDIS may fund modifications beyond employer’s responsibility:

What NDIS might fund:

  • Specialized equipment for your specific role
  • Custom workstation setup beyond standard accommodations
  • Assistive technology specific to your disability

What employers must fund (Disability Discrimination Act obligations):

  • Basic accessibility (ramps, accessible bathrooms)
  • Standard adjustable desks and chairs
  • General workplace accommodations
  • Reasonable adjustments to work processes

Employment Assistance Fund (EAF): The Australian Government’s EAF can also contribute up to $1,500 for workplace modifications, which can be combined with NDIS funding.

6. Travel Training for Work

What it includes:

  • Public transport training for your commute
  • Route planning and practice
  • Safety awareness
  • Problem-solving for transport disruptions
  • Building confidence using public transport independently

Duration: 4-12 weeks typically

Cost: $80-150 per session

Goal: Independent commute to and from work without ongoing support.

7. School to Work Transition Support

For participants aged 15-25 transitioning from school to employment:

Supports include:

  • Work experience placements
  • Career exploration programs
  • Skills development workshops
  • Transition planning
  • Linkages to further education or training
  • Introduction to Disability Employment Services

Note: This overlaps with SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) for eligible participants.

8. Supported Employment

NDIS can fund support in specialized employment settings:

Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs):

  • Employment for people who need ongoing support
  • Supported wage structure
  • Skill development in a supported environment
  • Pathway to open employment for some

Social enterprises:

  • Disability-inclusive businesses
  • Supported roles with training
  • Bridge to mainstream employment

NDIS role: Funds individual support within these settings, not the employment setting itself.

NDIS Employment Supports vs Disability Employment Services (DES)

Many people confuse NDIS employment supports with DES. Here’s the difference:

| Aspect | NDIS Employment Supports | Disability Employment Services (DES) | |---|---|---|---| | Funding source | NDIS (your plan) | Australian Government (Department of Employment) | | Purpose | Help you keep and succeed in a job | Help you find a job | | What it includes | Job coaching, workplace mods, AT, skill development | Resume writing, job search, interview prep, job placement | | When to use | Once employed or to build skills for employment | When looking for work | | Eligibility | NDIS participants with employment goals | Anyone with disability, injury, or health condition affecting work capacity | | Cost to you | Free (funded in your NDIS plan) | Free (government funded) | | Duration | As long as needed (in your plan) | Until job found, plus 12-52 weeks post-placement support | | Provider choice | Choose your NDIS provider | Choose your DES provider |

You can use both: DES to find a job, NDIS to maintain it.

Example:

  1. Work with DES provider to find a retail job
  2. DES provides interview preparation and job placement
  3. Once employed, NDIS funds job coach for first 6 months
  4. NDIS funds ergonomic equipment and workplace assessment
  5. DES provides post-placement support for first 12 months
  6. After 12 months, NDIS continues to fund ongoing job coaching as needed

How to Access NDIS Employment Supports

Step 1: Include Employment in Your Goals

At your planning meeting, clearly state employment goals:

Example goals:

  • “Find and maintain part-time employment in hospitality within 12 months”
  • “Develop skills for open employment in administration”
  • “Increase work hours from 5 to 15 hours per week”
  • “Transition from supported employment to open employment”

Step 2: Request CB Employment Funding

Ask for specific Capacity Building: Finding and Keeping a Job funding.

How much to request:

Depends on your needs, but typical allocations:

  • Job search support: $2,000-5,000 per year
  • Job coaching (intensive first 6 months): $8,000-15,000
  • Ongoing job support: $3,000-8,000 per year
  • Workplace assessment and setup: $2,000-5,000 (one-off)
  • Assistive technology: Funded under Capital Supports if over $1,500

Total typical employment support budget: $5,000-$20,000 per year depending on support intensity.

Step 3: Choose Your Employment Support Provider

Types of providers:

  • Disability Employment Services (DES) providers
  • NDIS registered employment support specialists
  • Job coaches and workplace trainers
  • Occupational therapists with employment focus
  • Career counselors specializing in disability employment

How to find providers:

  • NDIS provider finder (ndis.gov.au)
  • Ask your Support Coordinator or LAC
  • DES provider directory (jobaccess.gov.au)
  • Local disability organizations

Step 4: Start Using Supports

Work with your provider to:

  • Create an employment action plan
  • Identify barriers to employment
  • Develop skills and confidence
  • Search for suitable jobs (if using DES)
  • Access workplace modifications and training (NDIS supports)

Common Employment Support Scenarios

Scenario 1: Never Worked Before, Want to Find a Job

Supports you might use:

  1. DES provider to help find work

    • Resume writing
    • Job search
    • Interview practice
    • Job placement

  2. NDIS career counseling (if DES doesn’t provide)

    • Career exploration
    • Skills assessment
    • Goal setting

  3. NDIS job coaching once employed

    • On-the-job training
    • Building workplace skills
    • Communication support

  4. NDIS workplace assessment

    • Ergonomic setup
    • AT recommendations
    • Modifications needed

Timeline:

  • Months 1-3: Career counseling and job search (DES)
  • Month 4: Job offer and workplace assessment (NDIS)
  • Months 4-10: Intensive job coaching (NDIS)
  • Months 10-24: Reduced job coaching (NDIS)
  • Year 2+: Periodic check-ins and adjustments (NDIS)

Scenario 2: Currently Employed, Struggling to Keep Job

Supports you might use:

  1. NDIS workplace assessment

    • Identify challenges
    • Recommend accommodations
    • AT solutions

  2. NDIS job coaching

    • Address specific workplace challenges
    • Communication skills
    • Task management strategies

  3. NDIS workplace modifications

    • Assistive technology
    • Ergonomic equipment
    • Custom solutions

Timeline:

  • Week 1-2: Workplace assessment
  • Week 3: Implement recommendations
  • Months 1-6: Job coaching (intensive)
  • Months 6-12: Reduced coaching
  • Year 2+: Periodic support as needed

Scenario 3: Want to Move from Supported to Open Employment

Supports you might use:

  1. NDIS career transition planning

    • Skills assessment
    • Identify open employment goals
    • Create transition plan

  2. DES provider to find open employment

    • Job search
    • Job matching
    • Placement support

  3. NDIS job coaching

    • More intensive support in new open employment role
    • Skill development
    • Independence building

Timeline:

  • Months 1-6: Career planning and job search
  • Month 6: Job placement in open employment
  • Months 6-18: Intensive job coaching
  • Year 2-3: Gradual reduction of support
  • Year 3+: Independence in open employment

Scenario 4: Want to Start Own Business

NDIS can support self-employment through:

  1. Business planning support

    • Business coach or mentor
    • Disability-specific business challenges
    • Goal setting

  2. Assistive technology for business

    • Computer equipment (if disability-specific)
    • Communication tools
    • Task management systems

  3. Workplace setup

    • Home office modifications
    • Ergonomic setup
    • AT for business operations

What NDIS won’t fund:

  • Business startup costs (premises, stock, marketing)
  • General business equipment
  • Business operating expenses

Note: Self-employment must align with NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria (disability-related supports only).

Assistive Technology for Common Jobs

Office and Administration Roles

AT that NDIS may fund:

  • Screen magnification software ($200-2,000)
  • Voice recognition software ($200-1,500)
  • Ergonomic keyboard and mouse ($150-600)
  • Document holders and reading aids ($50-300)
  • Task management and reminder apps ($0-500/year)

Retail and Customer Service

AT that NDIS may fund:

  • Communication devices or apps ($100-5,000)
  • Hearing augmentation ($800-4,000)
  • Fatigue management equipment (anti-fatigue mats, seating) ($200-1,500)
  • Task checklists and visual supports ($0-200)

Trades and Manual Work

AT that NDIS may fund:

  • Specialized tools with adapted grips ($100-1,000)
  • Lifting aids and ergonomic equipment ($500-5,000)
  • Protective equipment adaptations ($100-800)
  • Communication systems for hearing protection environments ($500-3,000)

Creative and Technology Roles

AT that NDIS may fund:

  • Specialized software for accessibility ($200-5,000)
  • Drawing and design aids ($100-2,000)
  • Audio production accessibility tools ($500-4,000)
  • Custom input devices ($200-3,000)

Employer Responsibilities vs NDIS Funding

Understanding who pays for what:

Employer Responsibilities (Disability Discrimination Act 1992)

Employers must provide:

  • Reasonable adjustments to recruitment process (accessible application, interview accommodations)
  • Accessible workplace (ramps, accessible bathrooms, evacuation procedures)
  • Standard workplace accommodations (flexible hours, modified duties, adjusted workspace)
  • Equal employment opportunities (non-discrimination, equal pay)

NDIS Funding

NDIS funds:

  • Disability-specific supports beyond employer’s obligation (specialized AT, job coaching)
  • Individual capacity building (skill development, training)
  • Supports to help you perform your role (communication support, task training)

Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)

The Government’s EAF (separate from NDIS) can fund:

  • Workplace modifications up to $1,500
  • Auslan interpreters for workplace
  • Job redesign consultancy
  • Can be combined with NDIS funding

How to access EAF: Through your DES provider or directly via JobAccess (1800 464 800).

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Job Coach Makes Employer Uncomfortable

Solution:

  • Start with intensive support, gradually fade
  • Job coach works behind-the-scenes after initial training
  • Coach communicates with supervisor to build trust
  • Set clear timeline for coach exit

Challenge: AT is Expensive

Solutions:

  • Explore low-cost AT options first (under $1,500)
  • Trial equipment before purchasing
  • Check if EAF can contribute
  • Consider employer contributions for general equipment
  • Phased implementation (start with essentials)

Challenge: Employer Doesn’t Understand NDIS

Solutions:

  • Provide employer with JobAccess resources
  • Workplace assessor can liaise with employer
  • Support coordinator facilitates communication
  • Educate employer about benefits (productivity, retention)

Challenge: Hours Limited by Plan

Solutions:

  • Request plan review with evidence of employment success
  • Show how increased employment reduces other supports
  • Link to independence and community participation goals
  • Demonstrate financial benefits of employment

Success Stories: Employment Support in Action

Case Study 1: Retail Employment with Intellectual Disability

Emma, 24, intellectual disability

Goal: Work in retail

Supports used:

  • DES: Job search and placement (3 months)
  • NDIS workplace assessment ($800)
  • NDIS job coach (6 months intensive, $12,000)
  • Visual task supports ($200)

Outcome:

  • Employed at local supermarket (15 hours/week)
  • Independent after 8 months
  • Promoted to permanent role after 12 months

Case Study 2: Office Work with Physical Disability

James, 35, spinal cord injury

Goal: Return to office work after injury

Supports used:

  • NDIS workplace assessment ($1,200)
  • Ergonomic chair and standing desk ($3,500, Capital Supports)
  • Voice recognition software ($1,800)
  • Travel training for accessible transport ($1,500)

Outcome:

  • Returned to pre-injury employer (modified role)
  • Working 30 hours/week
  • Minimal ongoing support needed

Case Study 3: Supported to Open Employment

Liam, 28, autism

Goal: Transition from ADE to open employment

Supports used:

  • NDIS career counseling (6 months, $3,000)
  • DES job placement (4 months)
  • NDIS job coach (12 months, $15,000)
  • Workplace communication support ($2,000)

Outcome:

  • Transitioned to data entry role (25 hours/week)
  • Maintained employment for 2+ years
  • Reduced NDIS support costs overall

Tips for Employment Success

1. Start with clear goals

Be specific about the type of work, hours, and timeline.

2. Use both DES and NDIS

DES finds the job, NDIS helps you keep it.

3. Plan for gradual independence

Job coaching should fade over time as skills develop.

4. Communicate with employer

Open communication about needs and accommodations builds trust.

5. Trial before committing

Use work experience or trial periods to test suitability.

6. Build skills progressively

Start with fewer hours or simpler tasks, increase as confidence grows.

7. Track your success

Document achievements to justify ongoing or increased funding.

8. Review supports regularly

Needs change over time - adjust supports accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can NDIS fund volunteer work supports?

NDIS generally does not fund supports for volunteer work. However, if volunteering is a pathway to paid employment, some transitional supports may be funded.

What if I lose my job?

NDIS can fund supports to find a new job:

  • Career counseling to reassess goals
  • Resume updating
  • Interview skills refresh
  • Linkage back to DES for job search

Can I have employment supports if I’m already working?

Yes! Many participants access employment supports while employed to maintain or advance in their job.

Will working affect my NDIS plan?

No. Employment does not reduce your NDIS funding. In fact, it may increase funding for employment supports.

Can NDIS fund study or training for employment?

NDIS does not fund education or training courses (that’s education system’s responsibility). However, NDIS can fund:

  • Disability-specific supports to access education
  • Note-taking or learning support
  • AT for study
  • Support coordination to navigate education

What if my disability makes it hard to work full-time?

NDIS supports part-time employment, flexible hours, or graduated work patterns. Work within your capacity with appropriate supports.

Where to Get Help

NDIS Employment Support Resources:

  • JobAccess: 1800 464 800 (employment support for people with disability)
  • DES Provider Directory: jobaccess.gov.au/find-a-provider
  • NDIS Provider Finder: ndis.gov.au/find-provider
  • Employment Assistance Fund: Through DES provider or JobAccess

Advocacy and Information:

  • Disability employment advocacy: Check state-based organizations
  • Your Support Coordinator or LAC: Can help navigate employment supports
  • Job Access website: jobaccess.gov.au (comprehensive employment resources)

NDIS Contact:

  • Phone: 1800 800 110
  • Website: ndis.gov.au
  • myplace portal: Plan and funding details

Key Takeaways

NDIS employment supports help you find and keep work:

  • Job coaching and on-the-job training
  • Workplace assessments and modifications
  • Assistive technology for work
  • Career counseling and transition planning

Use both DES and NDIS:

  • DES helps you find work
  • NDIS helps you keep and succeed in work

Include employment goals in your plan:

  • Be specific about job type and hours
  • Request CB Employment funding
  • Link to independence and community participation

Plan for gradual independence:

  • Start with intensive support
  • Fade support as skills develop
  • Build confidence and capability

Employment is a pathway to independence, community participation, and financial security. With the right supports, meaningful employment is achievable for most NDIS participants.