If you are planning to become an NDIS support worker or join an NDIS provider in Narre Warren or anywhere in Australia, the first and most crucial step is completing the NDIS Worker Screening Check. This check ensures that all workers meet strict safety standards before delivering services to NDIS participants.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know—from what the NDIS Worker Screening Check is and how much the NDIS screening check costs to how you can complete it smoothly and confidently.
What is an NDIS Worker Screening Check?
The NDIS worker screening check is a national assessment conducted by Worker Screening Units in each state and territory on behalf of the NDIS Commission. It goes beyond standard police checks by considering a broader range of information to determine whether an individual poses an unacceptable risk of harm to NDIS participants. This includes reviewing criminal history, relevant misconduct findings, and other pertinent information. If cleared, individuals receive an NDIS Worker Screening Clearance, which is valid for five years nationwide, even if they change employers or move interstate. This means you don’t need to reapply for a new NDIS check if your circumstances change within the five-year period.
For those looking to become NDIS support worker, understanding the NDIS Worker Screening Check is one of the first and most important steps. Similarly, NDIS provider Narre Warren and across Australia must ensure their staff in risk-assessed roles have a valid clearance. Even if you are applying for a support worker role through an unregistered provider or a self-managed participant, they may still request you to undergo the NDIS Worker Screening Check for added assurance.
Additionally, if you’re curious about how your future pay could look, it’s a good idea to check the current NDIS support worker pay rates and how they are structured according to different qualifications and responsibilities
Who Needs an NDIS Worker Screening Check?
Typically, an NDIS Worker Screening Clearance is necessary when your position at a registered NDIS provider includes:
- Direct delivery of specified supports or services to people with disability.
- Likely more than incidental contact with NDIS participants.
- Being key personnel within the organisation (e.g., CEO, board members).
It’s best to confirm with your prospective or current employer whether your specific role requires an NDIS Worker Screening Check.
How to Complete the NDIS Worker Screening Check: Step-by-Step
Individuals seeking an NDIS Worker Screening Clearance usually need to go through the steps outlined below. However, it’s crucial to visit the Worker Screening Unit website in your specific state or territory for detailed instructions and any variations in the process.
Step 1: Determine if You Need an NDIS Check and Identify Your Employer
Confirm with your employer (or the NDIS participant if you are working for a self-managed plan) that you require an NDIS Worker Screening Check. If you are working for a registered NDIS provider, you will need their NDIS registration number or name to include in your application.
Step 2: Gather Your Identification Documents
You are required to supply documentation to verify your identity. The specific requirements can vary slightly between states, but generally, you will need a combination of commencement, primary, and secondary identity documents. These often include:
- Passport (Australian or foreign with a valid Australian visa)
- Driver’s license
- Birth certificate (full, not an extract)
- Medicare card
- Utility bills
- Bank statements
Ensure your documents are current and that the name on all documents matches. If there has been a change of name, you will need to provide supporting documentation like a marriage certificate or change of name certificate. Many states now require certified copies or online verification of these documents.
Step 3: Contact Your Local Worker Screening Unit and Create an Account (if required)
Every state and territory have a designated Worker Screening Unit that oversees the processing of NDIS Worker Screening Check applications. You will need to apply through the relevant unit for your location:
- Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra
- New South Wales: Office of the Children’s Guardian (apply via MyServiceNSW account)
- Northern Territory: NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services (via DoTDirect portal)
- Queensland: Queensland Government (via Worker Screening website)
- South Australia: Via SA Government website
- Tasmania: Tasmania Government, Department of Justice (via NDIS Worker Check website)
- Victoria: Via Service Victoria account
- Western Australia: Department of Communities (via DoTDirect portal)
Some states require you to create an online account or profile before you start your application. Follow the instructions on their website to register.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
Once you have an account (if required), you can access the NDIS Worker Screening Check online application form. Ensure you fill in all the details accurately and completely. You will likely need to provide:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, address, contact information)
- Previous names (if applicable)
- Residential history for the past five to ten years
- Employment history
- Details of any criminal history, charges, or convictions
- Information about other worker screening checks you may have had
Step 5: Provide Employer Details
You will need to provide the details of your current or prospective NDIS employer, including their NDIS registration number or name. If you are working for a self-managed participant, you may need to provide their surname.
Step 6: Verify Your Identity
Most states require you to verify your identity either online (using a smartphone to take photos of your identity documents and a selfie) or in person at a designated service centre. Follow the specific instructions provided by your state’s Worker Screening Unit.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee (if applicable)
If you are a paid worker, you will need to pay the NDIS screening check cost online using the provided payment system.
Note: Volunteers are usually exempt from this fee in most states or territories, but you may need to provide evidence of your volunteer status.
Step 8: Submit Your Application
Once you have completed the form, uploaded your documents (if required), and paid the fee (if applicable), you can submit your NDIS Worker Screening Check application.
Step 9: Employer Verification
After you submit your application, your nominated employer will typically receive an email asking them to verify your association with their organisation through the NDIS Worker Screening Database. Ensure your employer is aware that they need to complete this step promptly, as delays in verification can prolong the processing time.
Step 10: Wait for the Outcome
The processing time for an NDIS Worker Screening Check can vary. While some applications may be processed relatively quickly, others can take several weeks, especially if further information or risk assessment is required.
Factors that can affect processing times include:
- Completeness and accuracy of your application.
- Need for manual collection and processing of criminal history records.
- Verification delays by the employer.
- Common names or similar details to other individuals.
You will usually receive the outcome of your NDIS Worker Screening Check via email. In some states, you can also track the progress of your application online through your account.
Step 11: Ongoing Monitoring
Once you receive your NDIS Worker Screening Clearance, it is valid for five years. However, ongoing monitoring occurs during this period. If new information emerges that might affect your clearance, the Worker Screening Unit has the authority to review your status.
How much does an NDIS workers check cost?
The cost of an NDIS Worker Screening Check depends on the state or territory where you submit your application. Generally, there is a fee for paid workers, while volunteers (including students on unpaid work placements) usually receive the check for free or at a significantly reduced cost.
Here’s a general overview of the costs (as of April 2025), but it’s essential to check the specific Worker Screening Unit in your state for the most up-to-date fees:
| State | Fees (paid) | Fees (volunteer) |
| ACT | $151.60 | Free |
| NSW | $105.00 | Free |
| NT | $141.00 | $14.00 |
| QLD | $147.00 | Free |
| SA | $117.00 | Free |
| TAS | $108.46 | $22.44 |
| VIC | $131.60 | Free |
| WA | $145.00 | $11.00 |
Keep in mind that these fees are typically non-refundable, so ensure you understand the requirements before applying.
If you’re budgeting for your new role, it’s also worth reviewing the NDIS price guide 2024-25 to understand the latest pricing for various supports and services across the scheme.
Concluding Remarks
By following this step-by-step guide and ensuring you provide accurate information and the required documentation, you can navigate the process smoothly. Remember to consult the specific requirements of the Worker Screening Unit in your state or territory for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Holding a valid NDIS Worker Screening Clearance not only fulfils a mandatory requirement but also contributes to a safer and more trustworthy environment for people with disability.
