Disability employment services in Australia

Employment Support for People with Disability in Australia

Finding and keeping a job can be challenging for anyone. For people with disability in Australia, the barriers are often practical rather than personal. The right workplace modification was never arranged. The interview process was not accessible. The employer did not understand what adjustments were needed. These are solvable problems, and disability employment services exist to solve them.

Employment support helps increase economic participation for people with disability in Australia. Some of it is funded by the Australian Government through Inclusive Employment Australia, and some is funded through the NDIS. These services help individuals find and maintain meaningful employment, develop workplace skills, and transition from education to employment.

Key Employment Support Programs in Australia

• Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA)
• School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
• NDIS-funded supports in employment
• Workplace modifications and accommodations

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) in Australia

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is the Australian Government’s specialist employment service for people with disability, injury, or health conditions in Australia. It replaced Disability Employment Services (DES) on 1 November 2025. IEA is free for eligible participants and is separate from the NDIS. You do not need an NDIS plan to access IEA.

How IEA Support Works

IEA uses a flexible, long-term support model. There are no time limits on the support you can receive, and you can change provider at any time. This replaced the previous two-stream split between the Disability Management Service (DMS) and the Employment Support Service (ESS) that operated under DES.

Eligibility was also broadened when IEA started. This includes people with less than 8 hours per week of assessed work capacity, and some voluntary participants who do not receive an income support payment.

How IEA Providers Support You in Australia

• Job matching and placement in Australia workplaces
• On-the-job training and support
• Workplace modifications and accommodations
• Post-placement support to ensure sustainable employment
• Assistance with accessing work-related equipment
• Resume writing and interview preparation
• Employer liaison and education about disability

Employer Incentives and Wage Subsidies

Employers in Australia who hire through Inclusive Employment Australia may be eligible for financial incentives, including:

• Wage Subsidies: The government can contribute to wages for an initial period, reducing the financial risk for employers.
• Employment Assistance Fund: Covers the cost of workplace modifications, equipment, and Auslan interpreting services.
• Supported Wage System: Allows employers to pay a productivity-based wage for employees who cannot work at full capacity due to their disability.
• JobAccess: Free workplace advice and support for employers hiring people with disability.

These incentives make it easier for Australia businesses to offer opportunities while ensuring employees get the support they need to succeed.

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) in Australia

SLES is an NDIS-funded early intervention approach designed to help Year 12 school leavers in Australia prepare for and transition to employment. Unlike Inclusive Employment Australia, SLES is funded through the NDIS and is specifically for young people finishing school.

SLES Supports Available in Australia

• Work experience placements with Australia employers
• Job-readiness training and skill development
• Travel training to navigate transport in Australia
• Money handling and budgeting skills
• Communication in the workplace
• Time management and organisational skills
• Workplace social skills and professional behaviour

Duration and Funding

SLES is typically funded for up to two years after completing Year 12, providing a supportive bridge between school and employment for young people in Australia. The goal is to build the skills and confidence needed for open employment, not just any job, but a job that matches the young person’s interests and strengths.

What Happens After SLES?

Once SLES funding ends, participants can transition to Inclusive Employment Australia for ongoing employment support if needed. Many SLES graduates move into open employment with minimal ongoing support, while others may benefit from continued assistance through Inclusive Employment Australia or NDIS-funded supports in employment.

NDIS-Funded Supports in Employment

Beyond Inclusive Employment Australia and SLES, NDIS participants in Australia may have employment-related supports built into their plans. These can include:

• Support Workers in the Workplace: Assistance with specific tasks or workplace navigation.
• Assistive Technology for Work: Specialised equipment or software to perform job duties.
• Transport to Work: Funding for transport assistance to get to and from the workplace.
• Capacity Building: Funding for training and skill development related to employment goals.

Your NDIS plan can work alongside Inclusive Employment Australia to provide a full employment support package.

Finding Employment Support Providers in Australia

Carevo connects you with providers who offer complementary supports alongside your employment journey. For dedicated Inclusive Employment Australia and SLES providers serving Australia, you can also search through:

• The government’s JobAccess platform
• The Department of Social Services Inclusive Employment Australia provider finder
• Your NDIS Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator
• APM, MAX Solutions, WISE Employment, Scope, and other registered Inclusive Employment Australia providers operating in the Australia area

How Employment Support Complements Other Services

Employment support works alongside other NDIS and community supports to create a holistic approach to independence and participation in Australia:

• Can be coordinated with other NDIS supports through your Support Coordinator
• Complements personal care and community access
• May work alongside therapy services for workplace strategies
• Creates pathways to economic independence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Inclusive Employment Australia and SLES?

Inclusive Employment Australia (which replaced Disability Employment Services on 1 November 2025) is a government-funded program open to people of working age with disability, regardless of whether they have an NDIS plan. SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) is NDIS-funded and specifically designed for young people in their last year of school or up to two years after finishing Year 12. Inclusive Employment Australia focuses on finding and keeping a job, while SLES focuses on building the foundational skills needed before entering the workforce.

Do I need an NDIS plan to access disability employment services?

Not for Inclusive Employment Australia. It is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services and is available to eligible people with disability, injury, or health conditions. You can be referred to Inclusive Employment Australia through Services Australia or Centrelink, usually following an Employment Services Assessment. However, SLES does require an NDIS plan with specific funding allocated for employment supports.

What employer incentives are available for hiring people with disability?

Several incentives exist, including wage subsidies that help cover initial employment costs, the Employment Assistance Fund for workplace modifications, the Supported Wage System for productivity-based pay arrangements, and free advice through JobAccess. These incentives are designed to reduce barriers for employers and make it easier for people with disability to find opportunities.

Can Inclusive Employment Australia and NDIS funding be used together?

Yes. Many people in Australia use Inclusive Employment Australia for job search and placement support while also using NDIS funding for related supports like transport, assistive technology, or capacity building. Your Support Coordinator can help you understand how these funding sources work together to support your employment goals.

How long does Inclusive Employment Australia support last?

Inclusive Employment Australia support can continue for as long as you need it. There are no time limits. Your provider will work with you to find employment, and once you are in a job, they continue to provide support to help you stay employed. You can also change provider at any time if your needs change.

Through Carevo, you can find providers who offer complementary supports that work alongside your employment journey to support your overall independence and participation in Australia.

Get matched with disability employment services in Australia