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Funding for workplace changes

Sometimes, changes need to be made in the workplace for people with disability to perform a particular job. The Australian Government provides funding through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) that is designed to cover the costs of making workplace changes. This can include buying equipment and accessing services for people with disability.

The EAF can cover more than just physical changes to your workplace. Other items often covered under the EAF include communications technology, Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpreting, disability awareness training, and specialist support for people with mental health conditions or learning disorders.

Some caps apply to particular items under the EAF as follows:

  • Physical workplace adjustments and building modifications are capped at $30,000
  • Auslan Level 1 interpreting is to help people who are deaf or have hearing impairment perform work-related activities: it is capped at $6,000 per year
  • Auslan Level 2 interpreting is for job interviews and related activities, completion of tests and information sessions: it is uncapped
  • Auslan Level 3 interpreting is to help co-workers receive training to communicate with employees who are deaf or have hearing impairment: it is capped at $855
  • Disability awareness training for the workplace is capped at $1,500 per year and is restricted to organisations who employ people with disability.

The Employment Assistance Fund application process

Your organisation submits an application for the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).
JobAccess assesses the application and lets your organisation know the outcome. If the application goes ahead, JobAccess will advise if a workplace assessment is needed.
If no workplace assessment is needed, your organisation can purchase the goods/services and have the costs covered through JobAccess.
If a workplace assessment is needed, JobAccess will arrange a specialist (at no cost) to confirm what workplace changes are required. Your organisation can then purchase the goods/services and have the costs covered through JobAccess.

Applications for funding through the EAF can be submitted online.

Further information about the EAF is available on the Employment Assistance Fund page.

You can also speak to a Disability Employment Services provider.

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Need more help?

Contact a JobAccess Adviser by phoning 1800 464 800 or fill out our enquiry form.