Eligibility

Disability Employment Services (DES) for students and school leavers

If you are a secondary school student completing Year 12, we can help you through the Disability Employment Services (DES) program to get a head start in your career through a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship. You might also be eligible for our support to prepare for, find, and keep a casual or part-time job you love.

Students and recent school leavers are eligible for Disability Employment Services (DES) as an Eligible School Leaver if they:

• are in a disability special school
• are in a disability special class in a mainstream school
• are in a mainstream class and attract additional funding due to a disability
• have an NDIS plan
• are eligible for income support payments (e.g., Disability Support Pension).

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)

If you are finishing school or a school leaver in Tasmania, we might be able to support you to transition to employment through School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) with NDIS.

Unsure if you’re eligible?

If you are a part-time secondary school student who is over 14 years of age and not yet completing Year 12, please give us a call or visit your closest office so we can discuss your individual circumstances.

If you’re studying part-time at university, we might be able to help you find and maintain a job you love.

Part-time study is usually defined as less than 75% of your course’s full-time study load. If you’re unsure whether or not your study load is eligible for Disability Employment Services (DES), please give us a call or visit your closest office so we can discuss your individual circumstances.

You don’t need any prior work experience to be eligible for EPIC’s disability employment services. Everyone has a right to meaningful employment, and we’re committed to helping you become job-ready.

Many of our job seekers are looking for their first job. When you choose EPIC as your disability employment services provider, we work with you to develop skills, create a great resume, prepare job applications, practice interview skills, and attend job interviews. After you land a job, we continue to support you for as long as you need to feel comfortable.

“My employment consultant is very empathetic and understanding of my circumstances and condition. She helps without being pushy and I feel like a person who matters, not just a number.” – Triana, Launceston

If you are a school leaver or finishing school in Tasmania, you may be eligible for work preparation through School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) with NDIS. Work preparation training allows school leavers to familiarise themselves with the responsibility of working in real workplaces. This means you will gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to transition into paid work when you’re ready.

If you are not a school leaver but would like to participate in work experience before finding paid work, get in touch with us today to chat about your individual circumstances.

If you are already receiving income support payments from Centrelink, you can ask for EPIC Assist to be your Disability Employment Services (DES) provider. We can help you liaise with Centrelink if you wish, or you can get started today.

From 1 July 2021, if you are not eligible for an income support payment (e.g., Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance), you can still register for Disability Employment Services (DES) if you are:

• an Eligible School Leaver – full-time, final year secondary school students with a significant disability or a young person transitioning from School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) to Disability Employment Services (DES)
• a Special Class Client – job seekers with an acquired disability because of a notified event
• a worker eligible for Work Assist – if you are having difficulty completing your current job requirements due to an injury, disability, or health condition
• a Pre-Release Prisoner
• joining Disability Employment Services (DES) to satisfy Program of Support requirements.

If you’re unsure if this is you, get in touch with us today to have a personalised discussion about your unique eligibility for DES.

Before you are deemed eligible EPIC’s disability employment services, you may be required to complete an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt).

At EPIC, we support you every step of the way and are committed to making your journey as simple as possible. We can help liaise with Centrelink and guide you through the ESAt process if you wish.

If you’re at risk of losing your job because of disability, injury or illness, you may be eligible for Work Assist. EPIC can work with you to identify any barriers in your workplace and implement tailored solutions to help you keep your job.

You do not need to be already registered for Disability Employment Services (DES) or receiving income support payments to access Work Assist.

EPIC has disability employment services located along the east coast of Australia with offices in Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania. We also offer a range of services in Europe.