NDIS and Disability Employment Services

Understanding the differences in employment support available for people with disability.

If you live with disability, there are a few ways to access employment services as an area of support. In Australia, there are two main systems of providing employment support to people with disability. This page is designed to help you understand the key differences between the NDIS and Disability Employment Services to make sure you know which service is going to be right for you.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS provides support for Australians with disability, their families and carers. Taking a lifetime approach, the scheme provides supports for people with a permanent and significant disability so that they can achieve their goals and ambitions.

As a Registered NDIS provider, we are able to offer assistance to people with "Finding and Keeping a Job - SLES" approved in their NDIS plan.

Disability Employment Services (DES)

Disability Employment Services are available to people with disability to support them as they look for work. Whilst the NDIS provides multiple types of support, DES is specific to finding employment.

Depending on the level of support you need, you will be able to access either the Disability Management Service or the Employment Support Service. This will be assessed through a disability assessment to ensure you receive the level of support that's right for you.

Which one is right for me?

After having either a Job Capacity Assessment (JCA) or an Employment Services Assessment, you will have a guide to how many hours you are able to work each week.

This will be influenced by your health needs and your capacity to do that work either solo or assisted. These assessments won’t just look at how many hours you are able to work but will consider other factors that affect your ability to work.

More than 8 hours

If you’re able to work more than 8 hours per week, and depending on the result of your assessment, you will be able to use the Disability Employment Service (DES). Depending on your situation, you will then receive one of these services:

Disability Management Service (DMS)

For people with disability, injury or health condition who might occasionally need ongoing support to keep a job.

Employment Support Service (ESS)

For people with permanent disability who need regular ongoing support to keep a job.

Less than 8 hours

If you are working towards achieving the capacity to work more than 8 hours per week, you may be eligible for employment supports through the NDIS. Your NDIS planner will decide whether you are eligible and record this in your plan, in discussion with you.

NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)

For year 12 school leavers who have SLES listed in their NDIS plan, it can provide an important bridge between leaving school and thinking about future employment.

We create an individualised plan to help build confidence and skills through individual support, group engagement, independent activities, health appointments, and work experience.

We regularly revise your plan based on your progress and achievements, and as your goals change. We work with you and your support network to help prepare you for work.