Employment support from Work and Income

Work and Income provide a range of supports for people with disability who wish to find employment.

If the person you support is looking for a job then Work and Income can help them get work ready with tips about writing CVs and cover letters, a database for searching job listings, support to attend training, and financial support to help with the costs of searching for work or attending interviews.

Work obligations for beneficiaries

Those receiving Jobseeker Support from Work and Income may be required to prepare for work depending on their disability and health needs. This could mean attending job training courses or applying for jobs.

People on the Supported Living Payment don’t have to look for work, but many are motivated to find a job. Work and Income can help. The Opt In programme provides people on the Supported Living Payment with a case manager who will help find opportunities for training, study or employment.

Those on the Supported Living Payment might be able to try out going back to work – doing fewer hours – without losing their benefit. The Sustainable Employment Trial allows people to work 15 or more hours a week for half a year (26 weeks) to see if they are fit to take up some work again.

Support in a new job

Work and Income can provide assistance to transition to work to help with things like clothing, tools, relocation costs or living expenses until the first pay day.

Flexi-wage is a payment from the Government to employers. It can be used to subsidise wages and pay for training so workers can get the skills they need do the job.

Anyone who received the Supported Living Payment prior to starting a new job may be entitled to a Work Bonus. It’s paid to people who move into employment even though they are not under obligation to find work.

In-Work Support is an optional service from Work and Income that provides support to people in their new job. Work and Income check in occasionally to make sure everything is going well and to talk about any financial support or services that workers may be entitled to.

Many workers may still be eligible for assistance from Work and Income to help with the costs of childcare and accommodation. If they have dependent children, they might also receive extra assistance from Working for Families.