There’s some exciting news for people living with a disability who might be looking for work: not only has the government renewed its pledge to fully fund the NDIS, which is reassuring, but there has been some new additions to the Disability Employment Program, which will soon be re-named  Inclusive Employment Australia, and more people will be able to access it.  

New changes coming into effect

The new program will expand the criteria for eligibility, to include:

1. People who have an assessed future work capacity of less than 8 hours per week, and;

2. People who do not receive an income support payment.

This is an inclusive strategy to support more people to get into work. It’s welcome news for industries such as hospitality, where new staff is in high demand since the pandemic. According to a national report released by All Things Equal, over a thousand jobs can be earmarked for people living with a disability, to help get hospitality back on track.

The government agrees, too, as they have pledged more money to the wage subsidies program– up to $10,000 per person– so there’s a decent incentive for employers to consider a person living with a disability to be a part of their team. So it’s not just up to job-seekers to convince employers to give them a fair go: this incentive is helping to convince employers that a person with a disability can be a great choice for their organisation.

What’s also helpful is that the two-year service limit will be removed, so if you need more time to study or build your skills to find employment, you’ll be better supported.

If you’re already a participant in the current Disability Employment Program, you aren’t required to do anything. All benefits will remain the same, and you’re encouraged to continue to work with your provider.

These new changes will come into effect on July 1st, 2025, and although there is limited information about the new program for now, it does bring hope that there is a renewed interest in supporting people with a disability to find employment and have a fair go.

If you would like to be on our mailing list to learn more about this new program, DM us on fb. When we know more about the new program we’ll let you know.