What the Employment Assistance Fund pays for
The EAF reimburses the cost of changes, equipment and services a person with disability needs to carry out their employment duties. It is about work, not daily life at home, and the item has to be essential to doing the job.
Under the June 2026 EAF Guidelines, it can cover:
- Workplace modifications, such as changes to a workstation, building access or a work vehicle
- Special work equipment and work related assistive technology, such as screen readers or adapted computer equipment
- Auslan interpreting for work, for job interviews, and Auslan courses for co workers
- Training or technical support so the person can learn to use their new equipment
- Specialised support for people with mental health conditions or specific learning disorders
- Disability, deafness and mental health awareness training for colleagues and managers
Who is eligible
The person with disability must have an ongoing disability that has lasted, or is likely to last, at least two years and that substantially affects their ability to do their job. They must need the modification because of their disability, and be an Australian resident as defined in the guidelines.
They also need to meet one of the work criteria, for example:
- Have an offer of employment
- Be employed for at least 8 hours a week for at least 13 weeks, or in a job reasonably expected to last that long
- Be self employed, working at least 8 hours a week over the last 13 weeks and earning at least the National Minimum Wage per hour
- Work fewer than 8 hours a week because of their capacity, while building up to 8 hours with the employer's written support
- Be looking for work and need Auslan for a job interview, or work related assistive technology or equipment to prepare for a job
Funding caps
Caps are indexed every year. The June 2026 guidelines set these maximums:
- Workplace modifications and equipment: up to $70,847.47 including GST per application, per employer
- Auslan interpreting at work: up to $14,169.05 a year, with interpreter travel time paid on top
- Auslan for job interviews: no limit on the number of interviews
- Certificate II in Auslan for co workers: up to $1,009.48 per co worker
- Mental health and learning disorder support, and each awareness training course: up to $1,770.44 including GST in a 12 month period
What the EAF will not pay for
The fund will not reimburse anything bought before the application is approved in writing, except Auslan for job interviews, which can be lodged up to five business days after the interview. It also will not cover items an employer must already provide, such as standard ergonomic equipment or things required by work health and safety law.
Medical and health aids, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants and prescription glasses, are excluded. So are building repairs and major capital works, and equipment for working from home unless the person cannot work elsewhere because of their disability or is self employed at home.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the JobAccess website. The employer, the employee, a self employed worker, a job seeker, a government funded employment service provider such as an Inclusive Employment Australia provider, or a nominee can apply.
If the request involves physical changes or equipment, JobAccess may arrange a free workplace assessment with an assessor who has relevant disability and industry experience. Once the application is approved, the employer usually buys the items and is reimbursed. For help, call a JobAccess adviser on 1800 464 800.
The EAF, reasonable adjustments and the NDIS
Employers have a legal duty under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to make reasonable adjustments for workers with disability. The EAF helps them pay for adjustments that go beyond what they would normally provide.
Workplace modifications and equipment are generally treated as the employer's or the EAF's responsibility, not the NDIS. Your NDIS plan may still fund supports in employment, such as help on the job or support to build work skills, so the two can work side by side. If you get the same or similar help from another government program, the EAF will not pay for it twice.