What is Disability Employment Services?
The Disability Employment Services program has been replaced by Inclusive Employment Australia (starting 1 November 2025), an Australian Government initiative to help even more people with disability to prepare for employment, find work and build their careers. Please visit the IEA page to find out more about the program, including expanded eligibility.
Castle is contracted by the Australian Government to deliver Disability Employment Services (DES). DES supports people living with a disability, injury or health condition to get ready for employment and secure work.
Help can include:
- career advice
- employment preparation
- resume development
- training and qualifications
- job searching
- ongoing support at work (if you require it), including funding for necessary workplace modifications and wage subsidies to employers.
Castle has been offering employment support in the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast Regions for over 30 years and is highly experienced at connecting local people to local jobs.
We have supported job seekers of all backgrounds, skill levels and disabilities, and understand that every journey to employment is different.
Our personalised service is structured to give you dedicated support to prepare for and secure work you want, ensure it is a right fit once you get a job, and maintain ongoing support with you and your employer, for as long as you need.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible for Disability Employment Services if you;
have a diagnosed disability, injury or health condition
are aged at least 14 and are below the Age Pension qualifying age
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 Inclusive Employment Australia with a Future Work Capacity of over 8 hours per week. Castle will support you to obtain an ESAt or JCA when you sign up with us
are not working at or above your assessed work capacity (not applicable for Work Assist Participants and people who receive National Disability Insurance Scheme funding for supported employment, and/or Australian Disability Enterprise participants).
You may not think of yourself as having a 'disability'. The definitions are broad, and everybody has different circumstances. Talk to Castle about your individual circumstances and whether the program is right for you.
You can complete our form below, visit one of our offices to register directly, or visit a Centrelink Office near you and tell them you want to link up with Castle to help you find work and build your career!