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What an ESAt is
An ESAt is an assessment that helps us understand:
- your barriers to finding or keeping a job
- your work capacity
- which employment services provider best meets your needs
- what supports or interventions could help you find or keep a job.
One of our qualified health or allied health professionals will complete your assessment.
When you need an ESAt
You may need an ESAt if you have a disability, illness or injury that impacts your ability to find or keep a job.
You may be referred for an ESAt by us or your employment services provider if you have a disability, illness or injury and you:
- get a payment with mutual obligation requirements and need a new assessment of your work capacity
- get Disability Support Pension and need a new assessment of your work capacity to determine if you have participation requirements
- want to volunteer with Inclusive Employment Australia and need an assessment of your work capacity to confirm your eligibility.
If you’ve had an ESAt before and your medical circumstances change, we may refer you for a new ESAt. This is to make sure your work capacity is assessed correctly.
What you need to do before your ESAt
Before you have an ESAt, you’ll need to give us medical evidence that:
- shows us you have disability, illness, or injury
- explains how your medical condition impacts your ability to work.
Once we have your medical evidence, we’ll make an appointment for you. We’ll complete your assessment over the phone, if that’s suitable for you.
Find out more about the types of medical evidence you need and preparing for your ESAt.
What happens during and after your ESAt
During your ESAt we’ll talk to you about factors impacting on your ability to work including disability, illness or injury.
We’ll write a report that outlines:
- any barriers that make it hard for you to find or keep a job
- your work capacity
- what supports or interventions could help you find or keep a job.
Find out more about what happens during and after the assessment.
What to do if you can’t attend your ESAt
If you can’t attend your ESAt, call us on 1800 110 608 to arrange a new time.
If you don’t call us and you miss your ESAt, your payment may stop.
If you can’t call us, you can ask another person to call on your behalf.
How to get a copy of your ESAt
You can ask for a copy of your ESAt at any time by:
- using your Centrelink online account and selecting request a document
- calling us on your regular payment line
- visiting a service centre.
We’ll let you know if you need to make a formal Freedom of Information request.
Your Privacy
The law protects your personal information. We’ll explain how we use your information and who can access your assessment at the start of your appointment.
Find out more about your privacy in the Employment Services Assessments and Job Capacity Assessments privacy notice.