An NDIS Workers Screening Check, NDIS Workers Check or NDIS Check is a way to ensure that people who work with NDIS participants do not present an unacceptable risk to the participants in their care.
If you are in a risk assessed role – for example, as a carer for Afea – you will need to undergo this check. A risk assessed role involves the direct delivery of specified supports or services to a person with disability. A risk assessed role may also refer to:
- a key personnel role of a person or an entity as defined in s 11A of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (for example, a CEO or a Board Member)
- a role likely to require ‘more than incidental contact’ with people with disability
This check is conducted by the Worker Screening Unit (WSU) in the state or territory where a person applies for it. The WSU can clear or exclude applicants from working with people with disability.
Once you’re cleared, your NDISWC is valid for five years. It’s also transferable to other NDIS employers in whatever role across Australia. You don’t need to re-apply if you travel or move interstate!
How much is the NDIS Workers Check?
The fees and processes vary across states and territories.
In this guide, let’s explore the processes for NSW, Victoria and Queensland, where Afea carers currently provide services.
For other states and territories, choose the relevant link below:
- Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra
- Northern Territory: SAFE NT
- South Australia: Department of Human Services Screening Unit
- Tasmania: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services
- Western Australia: Department of Communities
New South Wales
Step 1: Lodge an online application.
Simply head to the NDISWC application link on Service NSW here and follow the prompts.
To complete the online application, you’ll need
- MyServiceNSW Account
- identity documents – see list here of acceptable documents
- your employer’s name – if you’re about to be employed by Afea, you can enter “Afea Pty Ltd”
Step 2: Visit a Service NSW centre within 14 days (2 weeks)
You’ll need to visit a Service NSW centre in person so you can present your original identity documents, pay the fee and have your photo taken.
Step 3: Employer verification and assessment
Your employer will need to verify your application within 30 days. You’ll receive an email once your employer has done so.
Your application will then be sent to the NDISWC screening agency for assessment. Once you’re cleared, you can begin providing care to NDIS participants.
Fees: Application fees for paid workers have risen from $80 to $105 on 1 August 2024. Volunteers can apply for free.
Victoria
If you’re based in Victoria, please note that Victoria is taking a ‘no clearance, no start’ approach to the NDIS Check.
This means that a person is prohibited from being employed or otherwise engaged by a registered NDIS provider in a risk assessed role (e.g. a support worker) unless the person has an NDIS Clearance or is subject to a transitional arrangement.
To apply, you must:
- create a Service Victoria account
- prove your identity with your phone (see steps here)
- consent to sharing your details
- fill an online form, then tap ‘Get started’
You’ll get an email from the WSU in a week to let you know of your progress.
Your NDIS provider or self-managed participant has 28 days to verify your employment.
Fees: $131.60 for paid workers or students on placement, and free for volunteers.
Queensland
If you’re in Queensland, check your eligibility here first if you need to apply for an NDIS workers check.
To verify your identity and obtain the photo for your disability worker screening card, you will need a customer reference number (CRN) before you apply. You can find this number on any product issued by TMR (Department of Transport and Main Roads), such as:
- A driver licence
- Adult proof of age card
- Photo identity card
- Industry authority
If you don’t have a CRN, or if your photo was taken more than 5 years and 3 months ago, you will need to visit a TMR service centre.
You will need to register for a Disability Worker Screening online account before you can apply for your disability worker screening clearance. You only need to register once.
Once you have registered for your online account, you must log in to the online worker portal to apply for your card.
You can find more details here. The linked document takes you through the portal registration and application process step-by-step.
Fees: $147 for paid workers, $162 if you also need a working with children check (blue card or exemption card); free for volunteers.
Join Afea Care Services
We hope this guide was helpful! If you are located in NSW, Victoria or Queensland and would like to apply to become a carer or support worker for Afea, visit this page. Our friendly recruitment team will guide you every step of the way.
