NDIS SLES: The Complete Guide to School Leaver Employment Supports

Key Points

SLES is a dedicated NDIS-funded program that helps young people with disability transition from school into employment
Funding sits at approximately $22,000 per year for up to two years (around $44,000 total), delivered as an annual block payment under line item 10_021_0102_5_3
Eligibility is generally for NDIS participants aged 15 to 22 who are in their final year of school or have recently left
SLES is not the same as DES (Disability Employment Services); SLES builds foundational skills first, while DES supports active job seeking
Claiming rules changed in 2024, affecting how and when providers can draw down the annual block payment
The goal is not simply to keep participants busy; it is to build genuine employment readiness leading to open or supported employment

What is SLES?

School Leaver Employment Supports, known as SLES, is a specialised NDIS support designed to help young people with disability move from secondary school into meaningful work. SLES sits within the Capacity Building budget of an NDIS plan, specifically under Category 10: Finding and Keeping a Job.

Unlike most NDIS supports that focus on daily care or therapy, SLES is entirely focused on employment preparation. It acknowledges that the leap from school to the workforce is significant for any young person, and that for someone with a disability this transition often requires structured, personalised support over an extended period.

SLES is not about placing someone into a job immediately. It is about building the foundational skills, confidence, and workplace experience that make employment a realistic and sustainable goal. Programs can include anything from workplace tasters and travel training to resume writing, communication skills development, and one-on-one career mentoring.

The official NDIS description of SLES can be found on the NDIS website’s employment support page.

Who is Eligible for SLES?

Core Eligibility Criteria

To access SLES, a young person must meet all of the following conditions:

Be an NDIS participant with an approved and active NDIS plan
Be a school leaver who is currently in their final year of school or has left school within the past two years
Be within the typical age range of 15 to 22 years old (some variation applies depending on state or territory and individual circumstances)
Have SLES included in the “Finding and Keeping a Job” budget of their NDIS plan
Not yet be ready for immediate open employment (participants who can already work eight or more hours per week independently are generally directed toward DES instead)

When Can SLES Begin?

SLES can begin while a participant is still at school, typically in Year 11 or Year 12. Starting early gives young people and their families time to explore options, visit providers, and hit the ground running in the first full year of funding after school finishes.

The two-year clock on SLES funding typically begins from the point the participant leaves school, though this can vary based on how the plan is structured. Raising SLES early in the planning conversation is important to avoid losing time.

What About Young People Who Did Not Finish Year 12?

SLES eligibility is not strictly conditional on completing Year 12. Young people who left school early due to their disability or for other reasons may still be eligible, provided they meet the age criteria and have the relevant NDIS plan funding in place. The planning conversation with the NDIA is the right time to raise this.

How to Get SLES Into Your Plan

SLES funding is not automatically included in an NDIS plan. Participants and families need to raise it explicitly during the planning or plan review meeting. Supporting evidence helps significantly; this can include a letter from the school, a transition plan from a teacher or guidance counsellor, or a report from an occupational therapist or allied health professional describing the participant’s employment goals and readiness.

For guidance on setting strong employment goals in your plan, see our NDIS goals examples and smart planning guide.

How SLES Funding Works

The Block Payment Model

SLES does not work like most NDIS supports where providers claim hourly rates for individual sessions. Instead, it operates as an annual block payment. The NDIA agrees to a set amount, typically around $22,000 per year, and the participant and their chosen provider negotiate how that funding is used across the year.

This model gives considerable flexibility. Providers and participants can design individualised programs without being constrained by a fixed hourly rate for every activity. Sessions may be one-on-one, in small groups, or delivered as work placements, online modules, or community-based activities.

Line Item and Budget Category

SLES is claimed under a single line item:

Detail	Information
Line Item	10_021_0102_5_3
Budget Category	Capacity Building
Support Category	Finding and Keeping a Job (Category 10)
Annual Funding	Approximately $22,000
Maximum Duration	2 years
Total Maximum Funding	Approximately $44,000
Price Control	Not price-controlled (block payment)

Because SLES is not price-controlled, there is no NDIS-mandated hourly rate. Instead, the provider and participant agree on a service agreement that outlines what the funding covers and how activities will be delivered.

The 2024 Claiming Changes

Changes introduced in 2024 altered how SLES providers can access the annual block payment. Under the updated rules, the full annualised or pro-rata funding amount can only be claimed under certain circumstances as agreed by the NDIA. Providers are required to follow the current interim policy from the NDIA and should consult the NDIS Provider Toolkit and SLES Provider Handbook for the most current guidance.

For participants and families, the practical impact is that it is worth confirming with any potential provider how they manage the block payment, how they report on spending, and how they ensure the funding is used effectively across the year.

SLES and Plan Management

SLES funding can be plan-managed or NDIA-managed (agency-managed). Most participants access SLES through a plan manager who handles the financial transactions between participant and provider. Self-managing participants can also use SLES, provided they have a registered or unregistered provider agreement in place (noting that registered providers offer additional safeguards).

For more on pricing and rate structures, our NDIS price guide tool provides current information on support worker and provider rates.

What SLES Programs Cover

SLES programs are highly individualised, but they typically draw from a core set of employment preparation activities. The best programs combine practical workplace experience with structured skill building.

Employment and Workplace Skills

Resume and cover letter writing
Job application skills and practice
Interview preparation and mock interviews
Understanding workplace rights and responsibilities
Knowing how to communicate with employers and colleagues
Managing time and attendance expectations

Practical Life Skills for Work

Travel training to and from potential workplaces
Managing public transport independently
Money management and understanding pay slips
Computer and digital literacy for workplace tasks
Phone communication and email etiquette
Organisational skills and task management

Work Experience and Workplace Tasters

Structured visits to different workplaces to explore interests
Short-term unpaid work experience placements
Supported volunteering in community organisations
Industry-specific tasters to identify suitable employment pathways
On-site support during work experience to build confidence

Personal Development and Confidence Building

Social skills in workplace settings
Managing anxiety or sensory needs in a work environment
Building self-advocacy and knowing when and how to ask for help
Goal-setting and understanding personal strengths
Developing resilience and problem-solving approaches

Transition Planning

Exploring post-SLES pathways including DES, supported employment, or open employment
Connecting with DES providers before SLES ends
Working with a support coordinator to plan next steps
Updating the NDIS plan to reflect employment goals achieved

SLES vs DES: Key Differences

One of the most common sources of confusion for families navigating disability employment support is the relationship between SLES and DES. They are distinct programs with different purposes, funding sources, and eligibility criteria.

Feature	SLES	DES
Full Name	School Leaver Employment Supports	Disability Employment Services
Funding Source	NDIS (Capacity Building)	Federal Government (Department of Employment)
Who Can Access	NDIS participants who are school leavers	Any person with disability, injury, or health condition
Age	Typically 15 to 22	No age limit (working age)
Work Readiness Required	Not yet ready for open employment	Ready or close to ready for open employment
Hours of Work Supported	Pre-employment (not yet working 8+ hrs/wk)	People who can work at least 8 hours per week
Focus	Building foundational skills and confidence	Active job search, placement, and ongoing support
Duration	Up to 2 years	Ongoing while needed
Cost to Participant	Funded through NDIS plan	Free to eligible participants
Provider Type	NDIS registered SLES provider	DES-registered employment service

The Intended Pathway

The design intent is for SLES and DES to work in sequence rather than compete with each other. A school leaver enters SLES to build their foundational skills and confidence. After one to two years, when they have developed the capacity to actively seek and sustain work, they transition into DES where an employment consultant helps them find and keep a job.

This pathway does not always proceed smoothly. Some young people are ready for DES before their SLES period ends. Others may need additional time or alternative pathways. It is important to plan the transition well in advance and involve a support coordinator if one is available in the participant’s plan.

For more context on NDIS funding categories and how employment supports fit within the broader scheme, see our overview of SIL and SLES NDIS funding.

Choosing a SLES Provider

What to Look For

The quality of SLES delivery varies significantly between providers. Because the funding model is a block payment rather than a regulated hourly rate, there is no automatic guarantee that a participant’s $22,000 is being used effectively. Families should look for providers who offer:

Transparent activity plans that clearly describe what will happen across the year
Individualised programs tailored to the participant’s interests, strengths, and employment goals
Real workplace connections, not just classroom-based skills sessions
Regular reporting to participants, families, and support coordinators
Experienced staff who understand both disability support and employment pathways
Strong relationships with local employers and industry partners
Experience transitioning participants into DES or open employment successfully

Questions to Ask a Potential SLES Provider

Before signing a service agreement, ask these questions:

What does a typical week in your SLES program look like for a participant?
How many participants do your support workers or coaches work with at any one time?
What industries or workplaces do you have existing relationships with for work experience?
How do you tailor the program to an individual participant’s interests and goals?
How do you report on progress to the participant, their family, and their support coordinator?
What is your track record with participants transitioning to DES or open employment after SLES?
What happens if a participant’s needs change significantly during the program?
How do you handle the block payment and what is your policy on unused funding?

Can a Participant Use More Than One SLES Provider?

Yes. Participants can split their SLES budget across multiple providers if they wish. For example, a participant might use one provider for work experience placements and another for digital skills training. This can be beneficial where no single provider offers everything the participant needs. A support coordinator can help structure a multi-provider arrangement and ensure the total spending stays within the annual block payment.

Registered vs Unregistered Providers

NDIS participants who are plan-managed or self-managed can access both registered and unregistered SLES providers. NDIA-managed participants can only use registered providers. Registered providers have met NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements, which provides an additional layer of protection. It is always worth checking a provider’s registration status on the NDIS website before signing an agreement.

For more on how to find and evaluate NDIS providers more broadly, see our guide to NDIS support coordination pricing and services.

SLES Outcomes and Results

Employment Outcomes

Research and reporting on SLES outcomes reflect both the promise of the program and its ongoing challenges. Approximately 25 per cent of SLES participants achieve open employment outcomes, meaning they successfully transition into paid work in a mainstream employment setting. This figure highlights both what is possible and how much work remains to improve outcomes across the sector.

It is important to understand what these numbers mean in context. Many young people with disability face significant structural barriers to employment, including employer attitudes, lack of accessible workplaces, and limited understanding of disability in the broader workforce. SLES alone cannot resolve all of these barriers, but it can significantly improve a young person’s readiness to engage with them.

Beyond Open Employment

Not all SLES participants move directly into open employment, and this does not necessarily represent a program failure. Positive outcomes from SLES include:

Transition into DES for ongoing supported job seeking
Entry into supported employment settings such as Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs)
Voluntary work or community participation that builds further skills
Increased independence and confidence in daily life
Greater clarity about employment goals and directions

A good SLES provider will work with each participant to define what a successful outcome looks like for them individually, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all benchmark.

What Affects Outcomes

Several factors influence how much a participant benefits from SLES:

Starting with clear and realistic employment goals that are built into the NDIS plan
Choosing a provider with genuine employer networks and workplace connections
Having active family or carer involvement, particularly in the early stages
Access to support coordination to monitor progress and adjust the program
Timely transition planning to DES well before the SLES period ends

After SLES Ends

Planning the Transition Before SLES Finishes

One of the most common mistakes families make is leaving the post-SLES transition too late. The SLES period of up to two years can pass quickly, particularly when there are plan reviews, provider changes, or periods of illness involved. Transition planning should begin at least six months before SLES funding is expected to end.

Steps to take before SLES concludes:

Review employment goals and document what has been achieved
Identify whether DES, supported employment, or open employment is the most appropriate next step
Research DES providers in the local area and arrange introductory meetings
Ensure the participant’s NDIS plan reflects updated employment goals for the next planning period
Talk to the NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator about what employment supports can continue after SLES

Disability Employment Services (DES)

DES is the primary next step for most SLES graduates. DES is a free, federally-funded service that helps people with disability find and keep a job. A DES employment consultant works with the participant to identify suitable jobs, prepare applications, and provide ongoing workplace support once employment begins.

DES providers are located throughout Australia. The Job Access website provides a directory of DES providers and other resources to support employment for people with disability.

Ongoing NDIS Supports in the Workplace

Even after SLES ends and a participant is in employment, NDIS funding may continue to support them at work through other budget categories. For example:

Assistive technology to support workplace tasks (Capital budget)
Workplace modifications assessments through occupational therapy (Capacity Building)
Support workers for specific tasks in the workplace (Core Supports)
Support coordination to manage ongoing plan requirements (Capacity Building)

It is worth raising these possibilities with the NDIA during the next plan review after SLES ends.

What If SLES Funding Runs Out Before Goals Are Met?

If a participant has not achieved their employment goals by the end of the two-year SLES period, the next plan review is the time to discuss options. In some cases, an extension or alternative capacity building supports may be available depending on the participant’s circumstances. Specialist Support Coordination can be particularly useful in navigating complex situations like this.

For broader information on the range of NDIS supports available, see our guide to supported independent living and other NDIS funding categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can SLES start while my child is still in Year 12?

Yes. SLES can begin in the final year of school. Starting early allows your child to begin building skills and exploring workplace options before they officially leave school. Raise this during the NDIS planning meeting while your child is in Year 11 or early Year 12 to ensure the funding is in place in time.

Does SLES count as a job? Does it affect Centrelink payments?

SLES activities are not employment and do not count as paid work. They should not directly affect Centrelink payments such as the Disability Support Pension (DSP) or Youth Allowance. However, if a participant transitions into paid work during SLES, the usual Centrelink reporting obligations apply. It is worth speaking with a Centrelink financial information service officer if there is any uncertainty.

Can my child do SLES and go to TAFE at the same time?

Yes, in many cases. SLES and TAFE or vocational education can complement each other well. SLES funding cannot be used to pay for TAFE courses or tuition, but SLES activities such as travel training, workplace tasters, and skills coaching can run alongside formal study. Some SLES providers have relationships with TAFE campuses and can coordinate their programs accordingly.

What if my child’s interests change during SLES?

This is common and a good SLES provider will accommodate it. Because SLES operates as a block payment rather than a fixed program, there is inherent flexibility to adjust activities and goals as the participant’s interests develop. This is one of the genuine strengths of the funding model. If the change is significant, it may be worth updating the NDIS plan goals at the next review.

Is SLES only available through NDIS-registered providers?

NDIA-managed participants must use registered providers. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use either registered or unregistered providers. If in doubt, ask any potential provider directly about their registration status and verify it on the NDIS provider finder at the NDIS website.

Can an adult with disability access SLES if they left school several years ago?

Generally no. SLES is specifically designed for recent school leavers, typically within two years of leaving school and under the age of 22. An adult who left school some years ago would not typically be eligible for SLES but may be eligible for DES or other NDIS employment-related Capacity Building supports depending on their plan.

What happens to unspent SLES funding at the end of the year?

Unspent SLES funding at the end of a plan period does not automatically roll over. It returns to the NDIS in most cases. This makes it important to work actively with your provider to use the funding effectively across the year. If there are genuine reasons why the funding was not fully utilised, such as illness or significant life events, raising this in the plan review may result in it being reinstated for the following year.

Can my child use SLES and DES at the same time?

Generally, SLES and DES are sequential rather than simultaneous. A participant who is still in the SLES skill-building phase is typically not yet at the point of active job seeking that DES supports. However, there may be circumstances where some overlap occurs during a planned transition. Speak with your support coordinator or the NDIA if you think your child is ready to begin accessing DES while still in the SLES period.

Key Resources

The following resources provide authoritative and up-to-date information on SLES and related employment supports:

NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports official page - the primary NDIS source for SLES information, including recent policy updates
NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits - current support catalogue and pricing information including SLES line items
Job Access - the Australian Government’s central resource for disability employment information, DES provider directory, and workplace assistance tools

From MD Home Care:

SIL and SLES NDIS funding overview - broader context on NDIS funding types
NDIS goals examples and smart planning guide - how to set employment goals that support SLES access
NDIS support coordination guide - understanding the role of support coordinators in employment transitions
NDIS price guide tool - current NDIS pricing information

How MD Home Care Can Help

Navigating SLES for the first time, whether you are a parent planning ahead for a Year 12 student or a young person who has recently left school, can feel overwhelming. There are providers to evaluate, service agreements to review, plans to update, and transitions to manage. Getting the foundations right makes a significant difference to the experience and ultimately to the outcome.

MD Home Care connects NDIS participants and their families with qualified providers across a range of support needs. If you are exploring employment supports for a school leaver, MD Home Care can help you understand your funding options, connect with appropriate providers, and think through the planning steps that will set the SLES period up for success.

Our supported independent living and disability support services page has more on the range of supports available through MD Home Care.

Contact MD Home Care directly through our website to find the right provider and make sense of your options.

This guide is for general informational purposes. NDIS policies and funding arrangements are subject to change. Always verify current information with the NDIS directly or through a qualified support coordinator before making decisions about your plan.