What is NDIS employment supports and am I eligible?

If you’re living with a disability, injury, or health condition and looking for work, you may face some unique challenges. 

That's where support services become helpful, acting as a bridge to the workforce. 

In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plays a vital role in providing this support, including support to help you find employment. 

In this blog, we’ll look at what support the NDIS offers to help people find work, who qualifies for the NDIS, and how Disability Employment Services with APM can help if you find that you’re not eligible for NDIS funding. 

Am I eligible for NDIS employment supports?

If you’re living with a disability and looking for support to find work, figuring out if you can get help from the NDIS is an important first step. 

To be eligible for NDIS funding, you will need to be or have the following:

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected special category visa holder

• Aged between 9 and 65 years old 

• Disability needs to be caused by a permanent impairment 

• Need disability-specific supports to complete daily life activities

To see if you qualify, there's a detailed check list that looks at all the ways your disability affects your everyday life and work skills on the NDIS website. 

You may also need to show proof, like doctor's notes or reports, to explain how things are for you.

To learn more about the NDIS, including who is eligible and how to apply for funding, visit our blog: What is the NDIS?

What help does NDIS employment supports include? 

NDIS job support isn't just a program, it's a helpful tool for people who are eager to get back into the workforce, but are facing unique challenges that require greater support than what Disability Employment Services offer. 

NDIS supports in employment are mainly provided by Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs), which specialise in employing people living with a disability, who need constant support while they are at work. 

There are various levels of support to help create a future pathway to work and support eligible participants to achieve sustainable employment.

They include:

• School Leavers Employment Support for participants aged 15 to 22 who want help to move from the classroom to the world of work.
• Finding and Keeping a Job support for working age participants looking for support to achieve their goals
• Supports in Employment for participants who may already be employed but need help in achieving goals, staying focused, or managing behaviour.

The APM Futures team, part of APM Employment Services, may help identify a participant’s best job options based on their unique skills, interests, and aspirations.

If you already have employment goals in your NDIS plan, contact the APM Futures team today to get started.

If you, or a participant you support, are thinking about work but don’t yet have employment supports allocated, the APM Futures team may be able to  guide you on how to add it to your NDIS plan.

Alternatively, to apply to the NDIS funding, if you’re eligible, then you’ll need to contact your local area coordinators or early childhood partners. 

If the NDIS doesn’t have any partners in your area, then you will need to contact 1800 800 110 for help with applying. 

Is there help available if I’m not eligible for NDIS employment support? 

If you don’t qualify for NDIS employment support, don’t worry—there may still be support available to you. 

Disability Employment Service providers like APM offer a range of supports to help people living with a disability, injury, or health condition find and keep meaningful work, with support that focuses on your unique needs. 

How APM empowers job seekers

APM delivers Disability Employment Services which is designed to help you reach your employment goals, and find a job that’s right for you with the necessary support. 

Throughout your employment journey, APM may help with things like:

• Finding jobs that match your skills and interests 
• Writing and updating resumes, cover letters and job applications
• Interview preparation and coaching 
• Introducing you to local employers
• Job specific training 
• Help with transport, tools and purchasing uniforms and interview clothing

APM’s support doesn’t stop when you start working, either. Our team is dedicated to providing ongoing support even after you’ve found the right job, from workplace modifications to job-specific training.

Start your employment journey

If you're looking for help to find a job while living with a disability, injury, or health condition, and it turns out NDIS isn't a fit for you, don't worry—APM Employment Services is here to help. 

Our expert Employment Consultants are here to give you the tools and support you need to find your way through the job search, from figuring out what job might suit you to getting a position that fits you just right.

If you think Disability Employment Services is the support you need to find work, get in touch with our team today or register online. 

We’d love to help you find a job that’s right for you.

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au