NDIS
If you're new to this and just want to know what the NDIS is all about, check out this video and give us a call. We're here for you every step of the way and want to see you reach your full potential. What can you achieve with Castle?
Visit our NDIS Programs to learn about the different support we offer.
Castle will listen to you and work with you to make sure you get the most out of your NDIS journey.
- We offer person-centred supports that provide you with hands-on experience to learn real-life skills. This gives you the opportunity to gain confidence in making friends, communicating with others and confidence to live your life.
- Castle provides practical support to help you build skills to live independently, do jobs around the home, read timetables to catch public transport, plan, prepare and cook meals, and make smart decisions when shopping.
- Whether you need help getting job-ready, training, education, searching for jobs, writing a resume, preparing for interviews, or accessing transport, we’ve got you covered. We can prepare you for work by supporting you to complete personalised employment learning modules, then connect you with our Employment Services team to help you find and keep a job.
- Castle will support you to do more of what you want to do. Maybe it's music, creative arts or going to the gym. We offer a variety of group activities, both indoors and outdoors and other one-off special events that will let you enjoy your hobbies and interests with others.
Navigating the NDIS can be challenging, especially when rules and legislation change. The government regularly updates the NDIS framework to improve how the scheme works, but we understand these changes can cause apprehension, confusion and frustration for participants and their families.
We know how important it is to feel supported and informed, particularly when things shift. That’s why we’re focused on providing clear guidance and tailored support to help you stay confident and in control of your plan.
At Castle, we’re committed to:
✅ Delivering goal-focused, valuable supports that truly make a difference
✅ Ensuring all support activities align with the participant’s NDIS plan, funding type and goals
✅ Keeping clear, simple records of how we’re supporting participants so they can show how their funding is making an impact
✅ Working with participants to make sure that their funding will cover the supports they want for the whole funding period
Here are a few tips to help you to make the most of your NDIS plan:
- Know your goals – Make sure you understand the goals in your plan so you can use your supports to focus on what matters most to you.
- Ask questions – If you are not sure how a support helps you to reach your goals, speak up! We are here to explain and make sure you feel confident in your supports.
- Stay on budget – If you get a new plan from May 2025, your funding may be allocated in smaller amounts over shorter time periods. It is worth checking to see if this applies to you, so that you can make sure you aren’t left short.
- Stay involved – Remember, you have choice and control over how your supports are delivered. It’s your plan and it should work for you – but remember, your supports must still be related to your disability and your goals.
- Keep communication open – Talk to us, your support coordinator or caregiver if something isn’t working for you. We welcome your feedback and we are here to help you to get the most from your NDIS funding.
If you have any questions or want to chat about how the changes might affect you, we’re here to help!
Your NDIS provider is YOUR CHOICE and Castle recognises that it is a privilege to support you to achieve your goals and live life your way.
Whichever provider you choose, they are there to support you in your journey and make sure you have access to the resources you need to achieve your goals.
Every provider is different so it's important to consider what YOU want to achieve before choosing your support team. If you are an NDIS participant you can use the Provider Finder in the myplace portal where you are able to search and filter the provider lists.
If you decide that Castle is the provider you would like to choose, please reach out to us using the form below.
'Mental health condition’, ‘mental illness’, 'psychosocial disability' and other terms, are used to describe a range of disorders that can affect thoughts, emotions and behaviours, that vary in both severity and duration. These conditions can include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance use, schizophrenia and many others.
While some people may not be significantly impacted in their daily lives, others may face severe challenges in functioning within the community, at home, and in the workplace. When a mental health condition severely affects a person's daily life, self-care and community participation, it may be considered a 'psychosocial disability'.
Whilst labels like 'disability' may not be relevant to some people's experience, it is important to understand the distinctions with which conditions can unlock vital financial support schemes.
Inclusive Employment Australia
If you live with anxiety, depression or another mental health condition you may be eligible for the Inclusive Employment Australia program. You don't necessarily need to be diagnosed with a 'psychosocial disability', only that your mental health condition affects your capacity to work in some way. This can be verified by a treating medical practitioner through this Centrelink form.
NDIS Services
If a person's mental health condition is considered a 'psychosocial disability', they may be eligible for NDIS support, however, a diagnosis of a condition in itself is not enough. Download the Psychosocial Disability Access Factsheet 2: Impairment and psychosocial disability in the NDIS here https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/how-ndis-works/psychosocial-disability/applying-ndis-people-psychosocial-disability
Job seeker
Inclusive Employment Australia is replacing Disability Employment Services (DES) from 1 November 2025. Inclusive Employment Australia allows you to choose a provider who will help you find work, support you in your new role and build your career. It is a government-funded scheme designed to ensure every Australian has the opportunity to work, and is free-free for eligible participants.
If you’re looking for work, an Inclusive Employment Australia provider like Castle can help you get ready for work, link you to training, develop job skills, support you to write your resumé, practise interview skills, look for jobs that suit you, and support you to build a career and reach your goals in the long term.
If you already have a job and it is at risk due to disability, illness, medical condition or other barrier, an Inclusive Employment Australia provider can help you with on-the-job training, speaking with your boss and co-workers, ongoing support in your job, modifying your workplace, Auslan at work and other supports.
Jobseekers are generally eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia if they:
- Have a disability, injury or health condition
- Are over the age of 14 and under the Age Pension qualifying age
- Are at or above the minimum legal working age in their state or territory
- Are an Australian citizen, resident or eligible visa holder
- Are not studying full-time
- Have a valid Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) or Job Capacity Assessment (JCA) recommending IEA with a Future Work Capacity of zero to 30 hours per week (Castle can help to get an ESAt or JCA) when you sign up with us;
- Are not working at or above their assessed work capacity
For more information, visit jobaccess
The Inclusive Employment Australia program gives you flexibility and choice in the services that you receive including your preferred provider. You can either register with Castle directly or link up to us through Centrelink. You will have an opportunity to review providers in your local area and can choose the provider that best meets your needs.
We also encourage you to compare local providers on JobSearch to make sure you pick the best fit for you.
Yes! Inclusive Employment Australia allows you to change providers any time you like, no questions asked.
If you're unhappy with the services you are receiving or simply want to switch to a different provider, you can request to transfer by calling the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.
Yes! If you are eligible, transferring is easy.
Workforce Australia supports a broad range of job seekers to find and keep work. Inclusive Employment Australia, on the other hand, provides specialised support for people with disability, injury or mental health conditions. To transfer, follow these steps:
Step 1 - Medical verification
Ask your GP, specialist or treating doctor to complete the 'Verification of medical condition' form (SU684)
Step 2 - Submit the form
Upload the completed form to your myGov online account, or submit it in person to Centrelink
Step 3 - ESAT appointment
Ask your employment consultant to book you in for an Employment Services Assessment (ESAT) at Centrelink to review your medical evidence and discuss your support needs.
Step 4 - Choose a provider
Once approved, ask Centrelink for a referral to Inclusive Employment Australia.
If you choose Castle, we’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your needs.
We focus on long-term support for both you and your employer to ensure you are successful in your job.
We will prepare you for work by listening to you and learning your employment goals. We work with you to make sure your journey is right for you. We will then connect you with the right type of work, with the right hours and the right employer. After starting your new job, we are there to provide you with ongoing support while you are at work. We not only want you to find a role - we support you to find a role that fits your goals, and we help you build your career.
What is an ESAt? (Centrelink Employment Services Assessment Explained)
An ESAT (Employment Services Assessment) is a Centrelink assessment that looks at how a disability, illness or injury affects your ability to work. It helps Centrelink understand your work capacity, identify barriers to employment, and decide which employment services or supports are right for you.
Barriers to work can include disability, injury, illnesses, and mental health conditions, that affect your ability to work in some way.
What is an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt)?
An ESAT is completed by a qualified health or allied health professional. The assessment looks at:
- barriers that make it hard to find or keep a job
- your current and future ability to work
- the level of support you may need
- which employment services provider best suits your needs
The goal of an ESAT is to make sure you’re connected with the right supports, not to test your motivation or job search activity.
When do you need an ESAt?
You may need an ESAT if you have a disability, illness or injury that affects your capacity to work and you:
- receive a payment with mutual obligation requirements and need your work capacity assessed
- receive the Disability Support Pension and need to confirm participation requirements
- want to access or volunteer with Inclusive Employment Australia
- have had a change in your medical circumstances since a previous assessment
If your condition changes, Centrelink may request a new ESAT to make sure your work capacity is assessed accurately.
What do you need to do before an ESAt?
Before your ESAT, Centrelink will ask you to provide medical evidence that:
- confirms you have a disability, illness or injury
- explains how your condition affects your ability to work
Once your medical evidence is received, Centrelink will book your assessment. Many ESATs are completed over the phone if that’s appropriate for your circumstances.
Your evidence should clearly explain functional impact, not just diagnosis.
What happens during an ESAt?
During your ESAT, Centrelink will talk with you about factors that affect your ability to work, including:
- your health condition or injury
- how it impacts your work capacity
- any rehabilitation, treatment or support you’ve had
- your past experiences finding or keeping a job
With your permission, Centrelink may also contact your treating health professional for additional information.
What is the outcome of the ESAt and how is it used?
After your Employment Services Assessment (ESAT), Centrelink prepares a report that explains how your health condition affects your ability to work.
Your ESAT looks at:
- barriers that make it hard to find or keep a job
- your current work capacity
- your future work capacity with the right supports or adjustments
- what types of employment services or supports may help you
Centrelink uses this information to decide what services or requirements apply to you. This can include:
- whether you’re connected with an employment services provider
- what your mutual obligation requirements are, based on your capacity
- whether participation requirements apply if you receive the Disability Support Pension and are under 35
If you’re working with an employment services provider, your ESAT helps them tailor support to your situation and focus on work that is realistic and sustainable for you.
What happens after your ESAt and how Castle can help
Your ESAT is used to make sure you’re connected with the right services, not to penalise you.
If Centrelink believes an employment services provider can help you, they’ll let you know:
- what providers are available in your area
- what type of service best suits your needs
- how to get connected
Not all providers offer the same supports, and availability can vary by location.
At Castle, we help people understand their ESAT results and what they mean in practical terms. We support people to:
- access Inclusive Employment Australia or other appropriate services
- understand reduced‑capacity and flexible work pathways
- navigate Centrelink requirements with confidence
- find support that matches their abilities, goals and health needs
For more information see the ESAt Centrelink website
If you live with a disability, injury, health condition or mental health condition that affects your capacity to work in some way we can support you to find and keep a job.
You simply need your treating medical practitioner (GP, specialist) to complete Centrelink's medical verification form to:
- confirm details of the main medical conditions affecting your capacity to work
- assess how these conditions affect your capacity to work or take part in other activities
- recommend assistance which could help you into work or maintain employment
Castle provides individualised Inclusive Employment Australia support for job seekers with a range of health conditions, including but not limited to:
- disabilities
- vision loss
- hearing loss
- cerebral palsy
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- intellectual disability - mental health conditions
- anxiety
- depression
- psychological conditions
- bipolar
- ADHD - chronic illnesses and diseases
- diabetes
- cystic fibrosis
- cancer - injuries
- brain injury
- back and limb injuries
- arthritis - many more
Castle can connect with specialist partners to address the specific personal circumstances of each job seeker, including GPs, mental health services, Occupational Therapists, physiotherapists and medical specialists.
If you have a health condition that is impacting your ability to find and/or maintain employment, you're most likely eligible for our services.
For more information see the Guide to the List of Recognised Disabilities | Department of Social Services, Australian Government (dss.gov.au)
No, you don't need an NDIS plan to access Inclusive Employment Australia, but if you do, then you're already eligible!
You may be eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia if you are living with disability, injury or health condition that affects your ability to work, are of working age and are not studying full-time.
Please note that Inclusive Employment Australia is a government-funded initiative that is fee-free for eligible participants. Even if you have an NDIS Plan, Inclusive Employment Australia does not draw from your funding.
Visit Job Access for full eligibility details Eligibility | Job Access
You can register directly with Castle, or ask to be referred to us at Centrelink.
'Mental health condition’, ‘mental illness’, 'psychosocial disability' and other terms, are used to describe a range of disorders that can affect thoughts, emotions and behaviours, that vary in both severity and duration. These conditions can include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance use, schizophrenia and many others.
While some people may not be significantly impacted in their daily lives, others may face severe challenges in functioning within the community, at home, and in the workplace. When a mental health condition severely affects a person's daily life, self-care and community participation, it may be considered a 'psychosocial disability'.
Whilst labels like 'disability' may not be relevant to some people's experience, it is important to understand the distinctions with which conditions can unlock vital financial support schemes.
Inclusive Employment Australia
If you live with anxiety, depression or another mental health condition you may be eligible for the Inclusive Employment Australia program. You don't necessarily need to be diagnosed with a 'psychosocial disability', only that your mental health condition affects your capacity to work in some way. This can be verified by a treating medical practitioner through this Centrelink form.
NDIS Services
If a person's mental health condition is considered a 'psychosocial disability', they may be eligible for NDIS support, however, a diagnosis of a condition in itself is not enough. Download the Psychosocial Disability Access Factsheet 2: Impairment and psychosocial disability in the NDIS here https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/how-ndis-works/psychosocial-disability/applying-ndis-people-psychosocial-disability
You can earn an income and still keep the Disability Support Pension.
There are rules and income limits depending on your circumstances. Check out this usefuly guide: How much can I work when on a Centrelink Disability Support Pension? | Castle
For businesses
Disabilities come in all shapes and sizes so we will ensure we recruit an employee who is the right fit for your business.
Castle can also help you access government funding to make workplace modifications if any are identified as being necessary. We do this through the Employment Assistance Fund which will ensure you are armed with the tools to support somone with a disabiliy on the job.
You don't need to worry about a pile of paperwork and bills; Castle will help you every step of the way with our completely free service. We create a shortlist of candidates for your business, saving you time and money in the recruitment process.
In fact, in some instances, you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of up to $10,000 depending on the person you hire.
Learn more about how we can support your recruitment efforts here.
Businesses may be eligible to access government incentives and wage subsidies up to $10,000 for each Castle job seeker they hire.
You can also access the Employment Assistance Fund for free workplace modifications to assist your staff. These modifications will not only benefit your new employee, they may enable beneficial facilities that will attract new customers too. This all depends on who you hire and their requirements in the workplace.
Castle will take the time to understand your needs and to match candidates to these. We seek to find the right person who is the right fit for your business and present you with a shortlist.
This varies from person to person and job to job, but broadly speaking about the same as any other new employee. Our Castle team will work closely with you to assess onboarding and training requirements, to ensure the relationship between your new employee and the business is thriving and for the long-term. We support your new employee and the business for as long as needed.
Research shows hiring people with disabilities is good for business – with 20% of the population having a disability it is likely that 20% of your customers may have a disability too.
Businesses that employ people with disabilities attract customers with disabilities, you are actually opening yourself up to new customers! You will also make your business attractive to other job seekers by providing a diverse, inclusive workplace.
Work Assist is a government-funded initiative designed to help you support and keep your existing employees when they are faced with physical or mental health illness and injury.
Learn more about how Castle can help you access Work Assist.