What is Inclusive Employment Australia? The DES transition
What do you need to know about Disability Employment Services (DES)?
By The Salvation Army Employment Plus · Originally published 19 February 2019
Start with the current program and the work you want
Inclusive Employment Australia helps people with disability, injury or health condition prepare for, find and maintain work. Tell a service about the roles you want to explore and what assistance you need. Ask how appointments, employer contact and ongoing support will work for you.
Check JobAccess registration information for the current route and any assessment needed. Ask which workplace adjustments are the employer’s responsibility and whether another scheme can help. Do not assume that being an NDIS participant automatically settles eligibility or pays every employment cost.
Original article and dated context
The Salvation Army Employment Plus is one of Australia’s largest government funded employment services, finding quality employees for businesses – at no cost. Employment Plus also provides job seekers with access to specialised training, work experience and a range of support services. Be sure to review them if you’ve used their service!
We hear that Clickability’s been receiving a whole lot of questions on Disability Employment Services (DES), so we interviewed one of our DES Engagement Managers in Queensland on everything you need to know about DES. If you have any further questions, please comment below and we’ll let you know!
When should someone consider DES?
People should consider DES if they they have a barrier in accessing work because of mental health, intellectual capacity or physical disability. DES can assist you with support in the workplace, mediating employer communications, streamlined and person-centred target marketing, identifying any upskilling needs, and simply identifying all your strengths all through a one-on-one approach.
Can you modify your workplace? What assistance can you get in the workplace?
Through DES, it’s definitely possible to modify your workplace. These Workplace Modifications are funded via Job Access. DES providers can assist you in identifying potential workplace modification requirements such as ramp access, computer software and ergonomic furniture. DES providers can then lodge these requirements with Job Access to gain funding for clients to then begin these modifications. DES providers can also assist you in the workplace through Post Placement Support, which assist with communication, duties, and general day-to-day needs in employment.
[Clickability update, October 2026: These are historical DES instructions. Use current JobAccess eligibility and registration guidance. A government payment is not required for everyone to access the new program. Ask about your circumstances rather than relying on this older checklist.]
How do you register? What do you need to evidence?
To register with DES you need to provide medical evidence to centrelink via a Verification of Medical Details form and have a Job Capacity Assessment. If deemed eligible by Centrelink, you will be granted a DES referral. If you are linked with JobActive, they can refer you to a Job Capacity Assessment to get this eligibility determined. If you are a participant that receives a Centrelink payment, but don’t have mutual obligations to job search and you want assistance to job search, you can directly register at the DES provider of your choice.
Are there resources out there to help this process?
Explain support and funding responsibilities clearly
Describe your present program and who it serves rather than reusing an old DES referral paragraph. Ask what information the person agrees to share with employers and how they want to take part in job decisions. Keep employment goals specific enough to guide the support.
For adjustments, explain what needs assessment and who approves assistance. Use JobAccess and current program rules. A funding application is not an approval, and an employment service’s involvement does not remove an employer’s responsibilities.
Questions readers ask
Is DES still the current program?
No. Inclusive Employment Australia replaced it on 1 November 2025. Official guidance
Do all participants need to receive a government payment?
No. The current program does not require a government payment for everyone. Official guidance
Are workplace modifications automatically approved?
No. Relevant scheme requirements and assessment apply.
Find disability support around your working life
Use the official employment-program route above for Inclusive Employment Australia. If you also need daily disability support, compare Clickability’s reviewed and rated providers for that assistance.
