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.
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:
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.
To access services under IEA, a person must meet general eligibility requirements. These include:
In some cases, people who are volunteering or exempt from participation requirements may still choose to access IEA services.
IEA supports individuals with a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
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.
Feedback from people with disability and their families, service providers and employers highlighted several limitations with the DES model, including:
IEA is designed to address these issues by offering:
For jobseekers and their families, this means better continuity of support and a stronger chance of sustainable employment outcomes.
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 below to receive important updates, practical tips and resources to help you prepare for the transition to Inclusive Employment Australia, or click here to learn more.