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If you’re getting DSP, you can choose to do paid work. Working can give you opportunities to gain and develop new skills. If you do work, make sure that you’re aware of the rules if you work while getting DSP.
Employment Services Assessment
People with disability can experience barriers to work. You may be facing challenges in getting or keeping a job.
You can ask for an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) if you either:
- need extra help to find work
- have had a change in your medical conditions or work capacity.
This assessment helps us understand all of the following:
- your barriers to work
- your capacity to work due to disability, illness or injury
- what type of employment services provider is best for you.
Your employment services provider can refer you for an ESAt or you can ask us to refer you.
You won’t lose your DSP as a result of this assessment. It’s to help you find work and to voluntarily connect with an employment services provider.
Employment services providers
If you’re looking for work, employment help available includes:
- Inclusive Employment Australia
- Workforce Australia
- Remote Australia Employment Service.
The type of help you’ll get depends on your circumstances. We can help assess this with an Employment Services Assessment. If you’re referred to a provider, they’ll review how much support you need to get and keep a job.
Inclusive Employment Australia
Inclusive Employment Australia providers can help you prepare for, find and keep a job. We can refer you to a provider if you’re eligible. We may invite you to attend an Employment Services Assessment appointment to assess your work capacity and confirm your eligibility.
You can register directly with an Inclusive Employment Australia provider if you’re at risk of losing your job due to disability, injury or health conditions.
Find out about Inclusive Employment Australia on the Department of Social Services website.
Workforce Australia
You can look for work by registering on the Workforce Australia website. It provides access to a range of tools and resources to assist with online learning and job matching.
Remote Australia Employment Service
The Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) may help you if you live in a remote area. You can take part in RAES to get help building skills and getting a job.
RAES offers:
- training and development opportunities
- opportunities to be part of community projects.
Find out more about RAES for job seekers on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website.
DSP participation requirements for under 35s
If you’re under 35 years of age, you may need to take part in study, work or volunteer activities. You’ll have a compulsory work-focused activity designed to help you prepare for and find work. You’ll meet regularly with your employment services provider to track your progress and get help and support. Read more about what you need to do to meet participation requirements if you’re under 35.
Supported employment
Supported employment can help people with disability participate in the workforce. This includes the Supported Wage System, supported employment services also known as Australian Disability Enterprises and Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support.
Supported Wage System (SWS)
Most people with disability who work do so in open employment at full rates of pay. However, some people may be unable to find or keep a job at full wage rates. SWS is a special workplace arrangement. It allows employers to pay wages to a person with disability, based on how productive they are in their job.
If you have an employment services provider, ask them if a potential employer is part of the Supported Wage System. Read about how the Supported Wage System works on the Job Access website. Read more about supported employment on the Department of Social Services website.
Supported employment services
These services, also known as Australian Disability Enterprises, offer supported employment for people with disability. You can get support to work, develop new skills and participate in your community.
Some jobs that might be available through these services include :
- catering and hospitality
- horticulture
- printing services
- building products
- transport, freight and logistics
- cleaning services.
You can find more information on supported employment services on the BuyAbility website and you can search for ADEs by name, location or business type. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) website has information about supported employment under the NDIS.
Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support
The Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support Program assists employers who employ apprentices with disability.
Job search and financial help
There’s a range of services to help you with your job search. This includes JobAccess, Employment Assistance Fund, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Self-Employment Assistance can help you set up a new business or support an existing micro-business.
Read more about Self-Employment Assistance on the Workforce Australia website.
You can also read more about job searching and financial help while you look for a job.
Training and reskilling
Further study or volunteer work can help you change your job or gain new skills. Read more about training and reskilling.
Other support and advice
There’s other support and advice available if you need help to find work while getting DSP. You can also get advice about your employment rights.