Who Can Access Inclusive Employment Australia?

Not sure if you are eligible for the government’s new employment support scheme? Find out with this handy guide.

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is the Australian Government’s new employment support program for people with disability.

Launching on 1 November 2025, it will replace the current Disability Employment Services (DES) program and introduce a more flexible, person-centred approach to help people prepare for, find and keep meaningful employment.

We have been awarded a contract as a specialist IEA provider. Our role is to make the transition to Endeavour Foundation simple – giving jobseekers and their families as well as referrers clear answers about what is changing and what to expect.

With the new contract launching in November 2025, many people are asking what it means for them or a family member or the people they support.

If you are a jobseeker, family member or referrer, this article outlines the key eligibility criteria and what the transition to IEA means for those seeking support.

What Is Inclusive Employment Australia?

IEA is a national initiative designed to improve employment outcomes for people with disability, injury or health conditions.

The model provides tailored support based on a person’s goals, capacity and preferences. It introduces two service types:

• Intensive service: For participants ready to actively engage in pre-employment activities and job search
• Flexible service: For those who may have additional personal, health or family-related barriers

IEA places greater emphasis on choice, control and long-term outcomes, ensuring that people can receive the right level of support for as long as they need it.

Who Is Eligible for IEA?

To access services under IEA, a person must meet general eligibility requirements. These include:

• Disability, injury or health condition
  The individual must have a diagnosed condition that impacts their ability to find or maintain work without support.
• Age
  Participants must be at least 14 years old and not yet reached Age Pension age.
• Residency status
  The person must be:
• An Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Or hold a Temporary Protection Visa or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa
• Work readiness
  Participants may:
• Be currently unemployed
• Be working below their assessed capacity
• Be at risk of losing their job due to their disability or health condition

In some cases, people who are volunteering or exempt from participation requirements may still choose to access IEA services.

What Conditions Are Covered?

IEA supports individuals with a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:

• Intellectual disability
• Autism
• Mental health conditions
• Physical disabilities
• Acquired brain injuries
• Chronic illnesses or ongoing medical conditions
• Sensory impairments (hearing or vision)

Eligibility is based on functional impact, not diagnosis alone. Services are matched to individual needs and work capacity.

As an IEA specialist provider for people with intellectual disability, we offer tailored programs and expertise to support their employment journey.

Why Is IEA Replacing DES?

Feedback from people with disability and their families, service providers and employers highlighted several limitations with the DES model, including:

• Inconsistent service quality
• Limited flexibility
• Support that was often too general or short-term

IEA is designed to address these issues by offering:

• More personalised support plans
• Access to providers with specialised expertise
• No fixed two-year service limit
• Stronger post-placement support

For jobseekers and their families, this means better continuity of support and a stronger chance of sustainable employment outcomes.

What Should You Do Now?

If you or someone you support is currently receiving services under DES, there is no need to take immediate action. Services will continue during the transition period until IEA formally begins on 1 November 2025.

To stay up to date with the IEA rollout – including key dates, eligibility information and transition details – visit the Department of Social Services website.

You can also speak with your current provider or Support Coordinator for guidance based on your individual circumstances.

Register your interest in Endeavour Foundation today to receive important updates, practical tips and resources to help you prepare for the transition to Inclusive Employment Australia.