What is Inclusive Employment Australia?
Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is Australia’s new specialist disability employment program. IEA replaces Disability Employment Services (DES).
If you were previously with DES, you’ll automatically move into Inclusive Employment Australia.
Your work and payments will not change with the transition from your current Disability Employment Services arrangements with DES.
What IEA offers
Inclusive Employment Australia is a program designed to help people with disability, injury or a health condition find, keep and grow in work. It’s designed to be more flexible and person-centred, with features that include:
Provider Choice
Choose from a list of local IEA service providers, and change providers at any time.
Unlimited Support
Get support for as long as you need – there’s no time limit on your support.
Broader Access
Flexible work hour requirements, and no need to be in receipt of income support.
Get quick answers to your questions here
How is IEA different from DES?
Inclusive Employment Australia delivers practical improvements and increased flexibility, while keeping current support benefits in place during the changeover.
Key differences include
- No fixed service limit (DES services limited to 2-years).
- IEA will be accessible to more people including those;
- With an assessed work capacity of under 8 hours per week.
- People who are not receiving income support.
- The choice to select the provider that best meets your needs.
The Australian Federal Government has confirmed DES will operate until 31 October 2025 to enable the smooth transition to Inclusive Employment Australia on 1 November 2025.
What will change for me?
If you’re currently with DES, you don’t need to do anything – you’ll receive information about your move to IEA. During the transition period you will automatically be allocated to a local IEA provider.
At such time you will be given the opportunity to accept the allocation or to choose a different provider from your list of local Inclusive Employment Australia service providers.
Who can use IEA?
Inclusive Employment Australia is for job seekers with disability, injury or a health condition who want to access support to prepare for work, get a job, and stay employed.
If you’re new to the program from 1 November, you can choose from the providers available in your area.
embarc and IEA.
embarc is the dedicated Inclusive Employment Australia service provider of The Disability Trust. The Disability Trust is listed by the Department of Social Services as an IEA provider in several Employment Service Areas. To learn more about who we are and what we stand for, go to the about us section for our full story.
If you’d like to work with us, you can check out our growing list of locations, contact our team or check the Department’s provider list to confirm coverage in your local area. Remember, we’ll be listed as The Disability Trust.
If we’re a provider in your area, we’d love to hear from you, wherever you are on your employment journey. Just reach out to us and you’ll be connected with one of our dedicated employment service specialists in your area. Get in touch, let’s talk about your unique path to finding and securing meaningful employment.
How to get started
- Already with DES? Keep working with your current consultant. You’ll move to IEA automatically; no action needed.
- Want to make a provider switch? Between 24 September and 16 October this year, you’ll be notified of your allocated IEA provider. If you want to choose another local provider during this time, you can call the DES Transition Line: 1800 227 337 to make a request to change providers.
- New to IEA from 1 Nov? Choose a provider and make contact to discuss your goals and the support you want to receive.
- Questions now? Call the DES Transition Line on: 1800 227 337
Start your employment journey with us
Employer of staff with DES?
For employers with staff members under the DES program, IEA will continue the supports you know – fit-for-role candidates, workplace adjustments, and post-placement coaching – with extra flexibility so support can continue as needs change. Talk to us about how we can tailor support to your workplace.
If you’re an employer seeking support for your business to embrace and harness the transformational powers that true diversity brings to workplace culture, community connection and innovative business practices, get in touch with us. We can provide you with the tools, candidates or support you need to make it happen.
Quick Answers
When does IEA start?
1 November 2025
(DES continues until 31 October 2025).
Will my payments change?
No. Services Australia states there are no changes to your work or payments because of the move to IEA.
Can I change providers?
Yes – IEA lets you choose and switch providers at any time.
Do I have to be on income support?
No – you can participate even if you’re not on income support.
Will the change effect employers?
No. IEA will continue the supports you know with added flexibility.