The assessor will talk to you about all of the following:
- any barriers to work you may have, including any medical conditions
- any recent help or rehabilitation you’ve had
- services to help you find and keep a job, if needed.
They may also contact your treating health professional if they need more details about your condition.
Outcome of the assessment
After the ESAt, the assessor will write a report that details any identified barriers to work. This will include how these barriers may affect your ability to work, or participate in employment services.
Tell us if you want a copy of your report. We can usually give you one. In some circumstances, you’ll need to make a formal Freedom of Information request.
Capacity to work
Depending on what the assessor has recommended, the report will include information about your work capacity.
The assessor may determine you have a reduced capacity to work.
The assessor could refer you to an employment services provider to help you improve your capacity to work.
Participation appointment
We may ask you to attend a participation appointment after the assessor has determined your work capacity.
At your participation appointment, we’ll discuss:
- your current circumstances
- support options to increase your capacity to take part in the workforce
- other activities you may want to undertake.
Together, we’ll review or update your Job Plan to ensure it’s relevant for your current circumstances.
You can still meet your mutual obligations if you’re either:
- self-employed
- in paid employment.
You’ll need to work hours that match to your assessed capacity to work.
Employment services
If employment services can help improve your ability to work and find a job, your assessor will tell you. They’ll also tell you which employment services program is right for you.
This may include one of the following employment services providers:
- Workforce Australia
- Disability Employment Services
- Community Development Program, if you live in a remote area
- Transition to Work, if you’re aged between 15 to 24 years and are an early school leaver.
Once your assessor determines the right employment services program for you, we’ll ask you to choose your preferred provider.
To help you choose a provider, your assessor may discuss provider services. Not all providers offer the same services or are available in all areas.
You can find out more about these services before your appointment. This includes who the providers are in your area and what services they offer.
You can learn more about employment services by reading more about:
- Workforce Australia on their website
- Disability Employment Services on the JobAccess website
- the Community Development Program on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website.
- Transition to Work on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.
You can also contact:
- the Workforce Australia National Customer Service Line
- a JobAccess Adviser about Disability Employment Services.