What the category is
Your NDIS plan is split into budgets. Finding and Keeping a Job sits in Capacity Building, the part of the plan that funds building your skills and independence. It is time limited support for working age participants with a work goal.
It is separate from ongoing help on the job, which is usually funded as supports in employment from the Core budget.
What it can pay for
- Employment assistance: building work skills, developing a career plan, work experience and support moving into work or further education
- School leaver employment supports (SLES): for participants in their final year of school or recently left, to explore work and build skills, generally for up to 2 years
- Employment related assessment and counselling: an allied health professional can complete a vocational or functional assessment, identify strengths and barriers, set a work goal and advise on workplace adjustments
- Help to change jobs, or to make sure a job fits your skills
- Help for your employer to support you at work
Who it is for
It is for participants who have a goal about work, whether that is a first job, more hours, returning to work after an injury or illness, or a better fit. Put the goal in your plan in your own words, for example "I want a part time job in retail" or "I want to keep my job as my condition changes".
Evidence from teachers, therapists or past employers about what you can do and what gets in the way will help the NDIA decide what is reasonable and necessary.
How it fits with other employment help
The NDIS funds disability related employment supports. Other help comes from outside the NDIS:
- Inclusive Employment Australia, which replaced Disability Employment Services on 1 November 2025, helps people with disability find and keep work at no cost to your plan
- The Employment Assistance Fund can help pay for workplace modifications and equipment
- Your employer has obligations to make reasonable adjustments
Finding and Keeping a Job and the 2026 funding reset
From 1 October 2026, a support determination reduces funding for social, economic and community participation supports by 50% and improved daily living skills supports by 10% when a plan is created, reassessed or renewed. Supports in employment are on the protected list, and the government's own example treats employment supports as unaffected.
Your new plan shows which funding is not affected. If you are unsure how your employment funding has been treated, ask your plan manager, support coordinator or the NDIA to explain it.
Getting the most from it
- Choose a provider with real links to local employers in your field
- Agree clear steps and a timeframe, such as work experience by a set month
- Ask for a short progress report before your plan is reassessed
- Use it alongside Inclusive Employment Australia rather than instead of it