Working if you have disability
Getting financial help if you’re working
Find out about payments and programs that can help you with travelling to work and workplace modifications. You can also find out about working while you’re getting Disability Support Pension.
Some of these links will take you away from myGov.
Find out about other Centrelink payments you can get if you have disability.
Looking for work programs and services
Job search websites and resources
If you’re looking for work, find out about job search services that can help. These links will take you away from myGov.
National Disability Insurance Scheme for work
If you’re eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it can help you get ready for work. NDIS funding may help develop your skills, learn new things and build your independence. It may also fund supports to help you in the workplace.
Find out how the NDIS can help with work supports and finding, keeping and changing jobs on the NDIS website.
Disability Employment Services
Disability Employment Services (DES) can help you:
- get ready for work
- train in specific job skills
- write your resume
- develop your interview skills
- find a job.
When you find a job, your DES provider will give you ongoing support. For example, they can help with speaking to your boss and coworkers, modifying your workplace and organising training.
DES also has a program called Work Assist. It can help if you’re at risk of losing your job because of disability or a medical condition.
Find out more about DES and how to register with a DES provider on the Services Australia website.
Supported Wage System
This system can help if you have disability or a medical condition and can’t work at the same capacity as any other employee.
Under the Supported Wage System, employers pay wages based on how productive you are in the job. Your work capacity is assessed to find out what you’ll get paid.
Find out more about the Supported Wage System on the Job Access or Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Knowing your rights in the workplace
Everyone in Australia has the right to:
- work in a safe environment
- respect in the workplace, including no discrimination, bullying or harassment
- fair wages and workplace conditions.
Find out about rights for employees with disability on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Using a disability advocate
You may use a disability advocate to help with issues you’re having with housing, education or employment.
A disability advocate may also help if you:
- have a specific type of disability, like an intellectual disability
- are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background
- are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Find out more about the National Disability Advocacy Program on the Department of Social Services website.