What the program does
Inclusive Employment Australia providers work with you one to one. Depending on what you need, they can help with:
- Getting ready for work: building skills and confidence, training, resumes and interview practice
- Work experience and work trials
- Finding a job that suits you
- Keeping your job, through on the job training and ongoing support in the workplace
- Targeted help for your employer, such as workplace adjustments and job customisation
What is different from DES
- There are no more time limits. You can stay with your provider for as long as you need
- You can be on the program even if you only work a few hours a week
- You choose your provider and can move to another at any time
- You do not need a government payment to take part
Who can take part
You may be eligible if you have disability, injury or a health condition and you are looking for work or need help to keep a job. You can volunteer even if you do not get a payment from Services Australia.
If you get the Disability Support Pension and are under 35, you may have participation requirements, and the program is one way to meet them. It is also one of the programs that counts as a Program of Support if you are claiming the Disability Support Pension.
How to join
If you get a payment, Services Australia may refer you, or you can register directly with a provider. If you do not get a payment, register directly with a provider. You can search for local providers on the JobAccess website.
Services Australia may ask you to attend an Employment Services Assessment to look at your work capacity and confirm your eligibility. To change providers later, use Workforce Australia Online or call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.
Mutual obligations
Your provider works with you on a Job Plan. If you get an income support payment, the Job Plan sets out your mutual obligation requirements. If you volunteered without a payment, you have no mutual obligations, but you still agree a Job Plan and attend the appointments and activities you sign up for.
Inclusive Employment Australia and the NDIS
The program is separate from the NDIS and is not paid from your plan. You can use both. Your NDIS plan can fund disability related employment supports that go beyond what the program or your employer provides, such as capacity building to find and keep a job, school leaver employment supports, or supports in employment for ongoing help on the job.
Supports in employment are also protected from the October 2026 funding reset to community participation budgets, so they are not reduced when your plan is reassessed or renewed.