WORKPLACE DISABILITY SUPPORT - AUSTRALIA
Employment assistance fund (eaf)
Eligibility, funding and workplace support
The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) is an Australian Government program that helps eligible people with disability access workplace modifications, equipment and specialised support services.
Find out who can apply, what the EAF may cover, and how Simmons Psychotherapy may provide workplace-focused support for people with ADHD, learning disabilities and mental health conditions.
Support at work might be more accessible than you think.
Employment Assistance Fund explained
Eligibility, funding, what it covers and how to apply
The Employment Assistance Fund can provide valuable assistance to people experiencing disability-related barriers at work, but many people don't know it exists.
In this video, I explain what the EAF is, who may be eligible, what assistance is available and how the application and reimbursement processes work.
I also share my own experience accessing the fund, including practical tips and things worth knowing before you apply.
What is the employment assistance fund (eaf)?
The Employment Assistance Fund is an Australian Government program administered through JobAccess.
It provides financial assistance to eligible people with disability to help them access, maintain and participate in employment.
The fund recognises that different people experience different barriers at work. Sometimes the right equipment, workplace modification, adjustment or specialised support can make a significant difference.
Depending on individual needs and eligibility, the EAF may contribute towards assistive technology, specialised equipment, workplace modifications, vehicle modifications and certain support and training services.
who is eligible for eaf funding?
You don't necessarily need to be receiving NDIS funding, have a physical disability or work full-time to access assistance through the EAF.
The fund may be available to eligible people with physical, sensory, cognitive, learning and mental health conditions that affect their ability to work.
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People in full-time, part-time or casual employment who experience disability-related barriers in their workplace.
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People operating a business or working independently who meet the relevant work and income requirements.
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People who have accepted a job offer and need disability-related assistance to commence employment.
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Eligible people looking for work may access certain types of assistance, including specified communication or assistive technology supports.
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People whose conditions affect their ability to organise, communicate, manage demands or perform work tasks may be eligible for assistance.
general eligibility requirements
To access most EAF assistance, you generally need to:
Meet Australian residency or eligible visa requirements.
Have an ongoing disability that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least two years.
Experience disability-related barriers affecting your ability to work.
Have employment or an accepted job offer generally expected to last at least 13 weeks.
Work at least eight hours per week.
Meet additional income and working-hour requirements if self-employed.
Some exceptions and additional criteria apply. JobAccess assesses applications individually.
what can the eaf pay for?
The Employment Assistance Fund can assist with a range of disability-related workplace modifications, equipment and support services.
What is available depends on your eligibility, individual workplace needs and the assistance approved by JobAccess.
Assistive technology and communication
Specialised software, speech recognition, screen readers, voice recorders, communication devices and other assistive technology.
Workplace equipment
Specialised desks, seating adjustments, computer accessories and disability-related tools that help make work activities more accessible.
Workplace modifications
Changes to physical workplaces, including access ramps, automatic doors, adjusted workstations, lighting and other accessibility modifications.
Not every workplace barrier is physical.
For people with ADHD, learning disabilities and some mental health conditions, challenges at work may involve planning, organising, remembering information, managing competing demands or communicating effectively.
Someone may have the knowledge and ability to do their job but still experience significant difficulties carrying out particular tasks consistently.
The EAF includes funding for specialised support and training for eligible people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities.
Depending on the person's circumstances and what JobAccess approves, support may focus on practical workplace strategies that help address these barriers.
This might include:
Developing organisation and planning systems.
Improving prioritisation and task management.
Establishing workable routines.
Developing communication and self-advocacy skills.
Building strategies to manage workplace demands.
Addressing disability-related difficulties that affect employment.
At Simmons Psychotherapy, I may be able to provide workplace-focused support in these areas where the proposed services meet EAF requirements.
Important: EAF funding is not automatically available for ADHD coaching, counselling or psychotherapy. Services must meet the relevant criteria and receive JobAccess approval.
Work vehicle modifications
Approved modifications to vehicles used for work, including specialised controls, wheelchair access and related accessibility adjustments.
Work vehicle modifications
Approved modifications to vehicles used for work, including specialised controls, wheelchair access and related accessibility adjustments.
can the eaf fund adhd coaching or executive functioning support
how simmons psychotherapy may help
I provide individualised, practical support to help people understand the challenges they're experiencing and develop strategies to navigate them more effectively.
My background in counselling, psychotherapy, education and behaviour support allows me to consider both the individual skills and environmental factors that affect someone's ability to function effectively at work.
For eligible clients, I may be able to provide specialised workplace-focused support where the proposed services align with EAF funding requirements and have been approved by JobAccess.
Executive functioning support
Develop practical strategies for planning, organisation, time management, prioritisation, task initiation and follow-through.
Workplace strategies and adjustments
Identify barriers affecting workplace performance and develop strategies that better suit your role, responsibilities and working environment.
Emotional regulation
Build skills for recognising and responding to stress, overwhelm, frustration and other challenges that can affect your functioning at work.
Individualised workplace support
Explore your particular difficulties and develop practical approaches that reflect your needs, abilities and employment circumstances
All EAF-funded services require approval from JobAccess. Simmons Psychotherapy cannot guarantee that a proposed service will be funded.
how to apply for the employment assistance fund
Applying for EAF assistance may be more straightforward than you expect. You don't necessarily need to know every detail about the support you need before contacting JobAccess.
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Review the EAF eligibility requirements on the JobAccess website or contact a JobAccess Adviser to discuss your circumstances.
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Apply through JobAccess Secure. You'll need information about yourself, your employment, your disability and the assistance you're requesting. Depending on your application, you may also need supporting documentation, quotes or a support plan.
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JobAccess reviews your application and may request further information. A workplace assessment may also be arranged to help identify appropriate support or adjustments. JobAccess determines whether your requested assistance will be funded.
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Once you have received written approval, you can arrange the approved equipment, modifications or services.
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The EAF generally reimburses eligible approved expenses after an item has been purchased or a service has been delivered and paid for. Submit the required invoices, payment evidence and reimbursement documentation to JobAccess.
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Do not purchase equipment or pay for services before receiving written approval from JobAccess unless specifically advised otherwise.
Expenses incurred before approval are generally not reimbursed.
frequently asked questions about eaf funding
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No. You do not need to be an NDIS participant to apply for the Employment Assistance Fund. The EAF is a separate Australian Government program with its own eligibility and funding requirements.
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Potentially, yes. People with ADHD, autism and other ongoing disabilities may be eligible where they meet the EAF criteria and experience disability-related barriers affecting employment. A diagnosis does not automatically guarantee that a particular service or item will receive funding.
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No. Most applicants need to be working at least eight hours per week, although additional requirements and some exceptions apply.
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Yes. Eligible self-employed applicants generally need to have worked at least eight hours per week over the preceding 13 weeks and earned an hourly income equivalent to at least the national minimum wage. Other eligibility requirements also apply.
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General counselling and psychotherapy are not automatically funded through the EAF. However, eligible people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities may receive funding for specialised workplace support and training. Any proposed services must directly address eligible workplace needs and receive JobAccess approval.
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I can discuss the workplace difficulties you’re experiencing, explain the services I may be able to provide and, where appropriate, assist with information relevant to proposed workplace-focused support. JobAccess manages applications and makes all eligibility and funding decisions.
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JobAccess generally needs to contact employers to verify employment information or arrange workplace assessments. If you have concerns about discussing your disability or support needs with your employer, contact JobAccess for advice about your circumstances.
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The EAF generally operates as a reimbursement program. You usually need to receive written approval, pay for the approved assistance after it has been delivered or purchased, and submit the required payment evidence to JobAccess.
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Funding limits vary depending on the category of assistance. Some workplace modifications and equipment have substantially higher funding limits than specialised support and training. The precise amount available depends on your eligibility, assessed needs and JobAccess approval. Visit the official JobAccess website for current funding caps.
Communication and self-advocacy
Develop strategies for communicating needs, asking for assistance, navigating workplace conversations and collaborating with colleagues
get workplace support in adelaide or online
Finding ways to work effectively with a disability can involve more than simply trying harder or pushing through difficulties.
Sometimes the right adjustment, strategy or support can make a meaningful difference.
If you're experiencing challenges at work and think specialised workplace support might be useful, I'm happy to discuss your circumstances and whether Simmons Psychotherapy may be able to assist.
We can explore what's happening, what you've already tried and what might be a useful next step.
You don't have to figure it out alone. useful links and information:
Employment Assistance Fund – JobAccess
For official information about eligibility, available funding, workplace assessments and applications, visit the Australian Government's JobAccess website.
Website: www.jobaccess.gov.au
JobAccess Advisers
Contact JobAccess directly to discuss EAF eligibility, application requirements or funding questions.
Phone: 1800 464 800
Simmons Psychotherapy
Unit 2, 1263 North East Road, Ridgehaven SA 5097
Email: info@simmonspsychotherapy.com.au
Phone: 0423 363 604
Workplace-focused support may be available in person or via telehealth, where appropriate.
Important information
Simmons Psychotherapy is an independent counselling and psychotherapy practice and is not affiliated with, or acting on behalf of, JobAccess or the Australian Government.
The information on this page is general in nature. EAF eligibility, funding limits, approval conditions and reimbursement requirements are determined by JobAccess and may change.
Simmons Psychotherapy cannot guarantee approval of any application or funding for a particular service.
Always obtain written confirmation from JobAccess before purchasing equipment or committing to services for which you intend to seek reimbursement.