Disability Employment Services

How they can help you

Disability Employment Service (DES) providers can help if you’re looking for work or have a job.

If you’re looking for work, a DES provider can help you:

• get ready to work
• train in specific job skills
• write your resume
• train in interview skills
• look for jobs that suit you.

Once you get a job, your DES provider may help you with:

• on-the-job training
• speaking to your boss and co-workers
• ongoing support in your job
• modifying your workplace
• Auslan at work.

If you risk losing your job due to disability, illness or injury, you can get help from Work Assist.

Mutual obligation and participation requirements

These requirements are tasks and activities you agree to do while getting certain payments from us.

If you’re a job seeker and have mutual obligation requirements, you can meet your requirements while participating in DES.

If you get Disability Support Pension (DSP) and you’re under 35 you may have participation requirements to help you find and keep suitable work. You can meet these requirements by taking part in DES.

Program of Support

A Program of Support (POS) helps people with disability to prepare for, find and keep a job.

If you make a claim for DSP, you may need to show you’ve participated in a POS.

DES is one of several suitable POS programs. Read more about Program of Support if you're claiming DSP.

How to register

You can register for DES through us or direct through a provider.

To register through us, you can either:

• call the Centrelink employment services line
• visit a service centre.

We may suggest you get an Employment Services Assessment.

To register through a provider:

• find a DES provider through the JobAccess website
• contact them and ask to register.

The DES provider may refer you to us for an Employment Services Assessment if you need one.

Read more about Disability Employment Services on the JobAccess website.

Inclusive Employment Australia

A new program called Inclusive Employment Australia will replace DES on 1 November 2025.

Current DES participants don’t need to do anything yet.

The Department of Social Services will start writing to you, or your nominee if you have one, in late August and September. They’ll give you more information about Inclusive Employment Australia before it starts.

Under Inclusive Employment Australia, you can:

• get support from providers to help you find and keep a job
• access more providers who are experienced in working with people with a range of disabilities
• choose your provider at any time
• get personalised support as long as you need it
• take part even if you can only work a few hours a week.

If you already get support through the current DES program, you’ll continue to get the services you get now.

You’ll need to continue to attend all appointments, job interviews and activities that are organised for you. If you don’t, your payment may be affected.

To find out more, you can:

• read about Inclusive Employment Australia on the Department of Social Services website
• speak to your current DES provider
• call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.

Where you can get other advice

JobAccess

The JobAccess service can give you or your employer advice. It provides employment support for people with disability, illness or injury.

Read more on the JobAccess website about other disability employment support. You can also call 1800 464 800 to talk with a JobAccess Advisor.