How To Access NDIS Employment Supports

If your next goal is a great job (or a better one), the NDIS can help you make it happen. Whether you’re finishing school, re-entering the workforce or building skills for the first time, NDIS employment supports are designed to give you the confidence, tools and ongoing support to succeed! 

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: what NDIS employment supports are, how to access them, what’s changed in 2025, and what you can expect along the way.

What are NDIS Employment Supports?

NDIS employment supports are disability-related supports funded by the NDIS to help you prepare for work, find a job, and keep a job. They’re used when you need more than what a typical employer or Disability Employment Services (DES) can reasonably provide. Examples include job coaching, on-the-job support, transport training, and building work skills and confidence. 

You’ll see them show up in two main parts of your plan:

• Capacity Building – Finding and Keeping a Job
  For building work skills, exploring career options, or transitioning from school into the workforce.
• Core – Supports in Employment
  For ongoing help once you’re already employed, such as job coaching or assistance at work.

If your disability means you need extra support to get or keep a job, this is where the NDIS steps in.

What’s New in 2025

NDIS Employment Supports updates that are worth knowing this year:

• Pricing updates: The 2025–26 NDIS Pricing Arrangements (PAPL) revised price limits and item codes. If you’re accessing supports with your NDIS budget, make sure your providers are using the latest rates
• New Work & Study Supports Guideline: Released mid-2025, this updated NDIA guide explains exactly what types of employment supports can be funded and how decisions are made.
• School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES): SLES continues to evolve, helping school leavers transition into work. Most participants are funded for up to two years initially, depending on progress toward open employment.

Who Does What: NDIS, DES, and JobAccess

It’s easy to get confused about which program funds what, so here’s a simple breakdown:

• NDIS funds the disability-related supports you need to prepare for, find, or keep a job. This can include job coaching, travel training, or on-the-job help.
• DES (Disability Employment Services) helps with job searching, placement, and retention in open employment.
• JobAccess (Employment Assistance Fund) pays for workplace modifications and equipment, such as assistive technology, ergonomic chairs, or Auslan interpreters.

These programs often work together to give you a complete pathway from preparation to employment success.

Examples of NDIS Employment Supports

Your NDIS plan can include:

• Career exploration & skill building: goal-setting, preparing for interviews, and developing workplace routines.
• School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES): tailored programs that help young people move from school to meaningful employment.
• On-the-job support: a job coach or support worker who helps you learn tasks, communicate effectively, and manage your workload.
• Study & training assistance: additional support to complete vocational training or apprenticeships when you need extra help due to your disability.

How to Get NDIS Employment Supports in Your Plan

Here’s how to go from idea to funding if you’re leaving school this year: Ask for SLES for up to two years initially. Build work skills, try work experience, then transition into open employment with DES support plus NDIS on-the-job help if needed.

If you have a job but need support at work, request Core – Supports in Employment for a job coach on shift. For equipment or workplace changes, your employer can apply to JobAccess/EA.

If you’re looking for your first job combine DES with Capacity Building supports. Start small (volunteering, work trials), then scale up once you’re job-ready, by following these steps:

1. Set a clear work goal.
   Define what kind of job or career you want and why it matters to you.
2. Gather evidence.
   Ask your therapists, teachers, or providers to describe your barriers to work and the supports you’ll need.
3. Discuss it in your planning meeting.
   Be clear about what you can do independently, what a job service or employer can do, and what extra help you’ll need due to your disability.
4. Check your approved budget.
   Look for funding under Capacity Building – Finding and Keeping a Job or Core – Supports in Employment. If it’s missing, you can request a review or change of circumstances.
5. Choose the right providers.
   Compare options, read reviews, and make sure their rates follow the current NDIS price limits.
6. Coordinate with DES or JobAccess.
   These programs can work alongside your NDIS funding to provide a full package of employment support.
7. Track your progress.
   Keep notes about your training, shifts, and achievements to show your success during reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the NDIS fund workplace modifications?
No, those are covered by JobAccess through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF). The NDIS funds disability-related supports such as coaching or assistance at work.

Can I use both NDIS and DES?
Absolutely! Many participants use DES for job placement and NDIS for the additional supports they need to stay in work.

How long can I get School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)?
Usually up to two years, with the option to extend if you’re making progress toward employment goals.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Your journey to meaningful work or study begins with one simple step, asking for the right support. When you’re clear about what you need, how often you’ll need it, and how it helps you reach your goals, your NDIS plan becomes more than paperwork it becomes a pathway to possibility.

The right employment and study supports can open doors to independence, purpose, and growth. If you’re ready to take that next step, our team is here to guide you. Get in touch today and start shaping a future that works for you.