DES has been replaced
If you are searching for DES, the program you need now is Inclusive Employment Australia. It replaced Disability Employment Services on 1 November 2025.
Like DES, it is a specialist disability employment program funded by the Australian Government, separate from the NDIS. It helps people with disability, injury or a health condition prepare for work, find a job, keep it and grow their career.
What DES did
DES providers helped job seekers with things like work preparation, resumes, job search, interview practice, and support in the workplace once they started a job. They also worked with employers on workplace adjustments.
Many people used DES alongside an NDIS plan, with DES helping them find work and the NDIS funding disability supports on top of that.
What changed with Inclusive Employment Australia
- No more time limits: you can stay with your provider for as long as you need
- You can join even if you only work a few hours a week
- You can choose your provider and move to a new one at any time
- You do not need to get a government payment to take part
- Providers are expected to have skills working with people with different disabilities and backgrounds
If you were with a DES provider
DES no longer exists as a program, so your support now comes through Inclusive Employment Australia. If you are not sure who your provider is, or you want to change, you can use Workforce Australia Online or call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.
If you get an income support payment, your Job Plan sets out your mutual obligation requirements. If you volunteered for the program without a payment, you do not have mutual obligations, but you still agree a Job Plan with your provider.
How it fits with the NDIS
Inclusive Employment Australia is a mainstream program, so it is not paid from your NDIS plan. The NDIS can fund different, disability related employment supports, such as help building work skills, school leaver employment supports, and supports in employment for people who need ongoing help on the job.
Your NDIS provider can deliver employment supports that are different from what your Inclusive Employment Australia provider gives you. The two should complement each other, not double up.