Are you looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disability? Becoming a disability support worker with a NDIS Registered Provider such as Like Family is a rewarding  career path, and one of the first steps is getting your NDIS Worker Screening Check sorted.

A crucial step for anyone seeking to work in this sector is obtaining an NDIS Worker Screening Check (also known as an NDIS Screening Check or NDIS Workers Check). This national assessment exists to protect the safety and wellbeing of NDIS participants.

Registered NDIS providers are legally required to engage only support workers who have been cleared for specific "risk-assessed" roles. Securing your check broadens your work prospects and shows participants and providers alike that you're serious about providing safe, trustworthy support.

2026 is a big year for the check. The first clearances issued when the national system launched in February 2021 are now reaching their five-year expiry, and mandatory NDIS registration is expanding to cover more provider types from 1 July 2026. If you already hold a check, or you're applying for the first time, this guide walks you through what's changed and what to expect in every state and territory.

What is an NDIS Worker Screening Check?

The NDIS Worker Screening Check, which commenced in February 2021, sets a consistent national standard for all support workers across Australia engaged in risk-assessed roles.

Each state and territory operates its own Worker Screening Unit. These units process applications and carry out risk assessments to determine whether an applicant is cleared or excluded from a specific role.

As part of this process, screening units review an applicant's:

  • Criminal history
  • Workplace misconduct
  • Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)
  • Past employment
  • Juvenile offences
  • Any other information that may indicate a potential risk to people with disability

This makes the check more thorough than a standard Police Check, and it comes with ongoing monitoring. If new information emerges about a worker during their five-year clearance period, such as a criminal charge, the screening unit is notified and can review the clearance immediately, rather than waiting for renewal.

Once cleared, your NDIS Worker Screening Check is generally valid for five years and is recognised across all Australian states and territories, unless it's surrendered or revoked.

The 2026 renewal wave: what you need to know

Because the national scheme began in February 2021, the very first clearances issued started expiring from 1 February 2026, and this renewal wave continues through 2026 and 2027. If your check was issued in the early days of the scheme, your renewal window may already be open.

A few things worth knowing if you're due:

  • You can renew up to 90 days before your clearance expires. It's worth getting ahead of it rather than waiting for the deadline.
  • There's no grace period. If your clearance lapses, you must stop performing risk-assessed work immediately until a new clearance comes through.
  • The renewal process mirrors the original application. Same documents, same fee structure, same risk assessment, just resubmitted through your state's Worker Screening Unit.
  • Screening units are sending reminders, typically by email or SMS, in the months leading up to expiry. Keep your contact details up to date in your MyServiceNSW account (or your state's equivalent) so you don't miss them.

If you're unsure when your check expires, you can check your status directly through your state portal, covered below.

Who needs an NDIS Worker Screening Check?

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Photo by Brooke Cagle / Unsplash

An NDIS Worker Screening Check is mandatory if you work or volunteer for an NDIS provider in a risk-assessed role. This includes anyone who is:

  • Directly involved in delivering specific supports or services to people with disability.
  • Likely to have "more than incidental contact" with people with disability. This covers regular interaction, whether in person, over the phone, or online, as well as building rapport with participants as part of your role, or working with multiple participants while providing direct support.
  • Considered "key personnel" within a company, such as a CEO or Board Member.

From 1 July 2026, mandatory NDIS registration expanded to cover more provider categories, including Supported Independent Living providers. In practice, this means more workers who previously sat outside the screening requirement will now need a check as their organisation moves into registration. If you're unsure whether your role counts, it's worth confirming with your provider rather than assuming.

How can I apply for an NDIS Worker Screening Check?

The application process differs by state or territory. Here's a breakdown of the requirements and costs for the states Like Family operates in. Fees are reviewed periodically by each jurisdiction, so always confirm the current amount on the official portal before you apply.

New South Wales

  • Term: NDIS Worker Check (NDISWC)
  • Where to apply: Service NSW
  • Cost: $112 for paid workers. Free for volunteers.
  • Valid for: 5 years. The certification is digital; you won't receive a physical card.
  • Contact: Office of the Children's Guardian, via Service NSW

Process:

  1. Begin your application online via the Service NSW website.
  2. You'll need to provide 3 identity documents from 3 different categories (for example, an Australian passport, driver's licence, and Medicare card). Government-issued digital documents, like a NSW digital driver licence, are accepted.
  3. You must visit a Service NSW Centre within 28 days of starting your online application to have your identity documents sighted and your photo taken.
  4. Your employer (or nominated NDIS provider) will then need to verify your application via the NDIS Worker Screening Database.

Victoria

  • Where to apply: Service Victoria
  • Cost: $139.20 for paid workers.
  • Valid for: 5 years
  • Contact: Service Victoria via the 'Vicky' chat function or by phone on 1300 652 879 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm)

Process:

  1. The application is completed entirely online via Service Victoria.
  2. Register or log in to your Service Victoria account.
  3. Verify your identity using acceptable documents (such as an Australian passport or birth certificate, driver's licence, or Medicare card).
  4. Submit identification documents for your police and background checks, provide your work details, and consent to the check. You'll need your employer's NDIS Employer ID.
  5. Your application then needs to be verified by the employer (or nominated NDIS provider) you nominated.

Queensland

  • Term: NDIS worker screening clearance
  • Where to apply: Disability Worker Screening
  • Cost: From $161.30. Free for volunteers.
  • Valid for: 5 years
  • Contact: Worker Screening Unit on 1800 183 690

Process:

  1. The application is completed entirely online via the Disability Worker Screening website.
  2. You'll need a Customer Reference Number (CRN) from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to verify your identity and photo. You'll find this on your driver's licence or photo ID card. If you don't have one, or your photo is out of date, you may need to visit a TMR service centre.
  3. If you also need a Working With Children Check (Blue Card), you can complete a combined application for both in a single application, for $171.

South Australia

  • Term: NDIS worker check
  • Where to apply: sa.gov.au
  • Cost: $145, $73.50 for tertiary students, free for volunteers
  • Valid for: 5 years
  • Contact: Screening Unit, phone 1300 321 592

Process:

  1. Apply entirely online via the SA government site.
  2. You can apply for multiple checks, such as a Working With Children Check, within the same application.
  3. You'll need identity documents including an Australian driver's licence plus a birth certificate, passport, or citizenship certificate.
  4. Online identity verification is available through the Document Verification Service. If you can't verify online, your employer may be able to verify your ID, or you can use a "print and seek verification" option.
  5. Your employer (or nominated NDIS provider) will need to verify your application once submitted.

Tasmania

  • Term: Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) with an NDIS Worker Check
  • Where to apply: Department of Justice
  • Cost: $137.20, free for volunteers
  • Valid for: 5 years
  • Contact: Department of Justice, phone 1300 654 499

Process:

  1. Apply for Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) and select the NDIS endorsement option during the application.
  2. Start your application online via the Department of Justice website.
  3. Within 21 days of your online application, visit a Service Tasmania Centre to provide original proof of identity documents, have your photo taken, and pay the fee if you haven't already.
  4. You'll need an NDIS employer (or nominated NDIS provider) to apply for the NDIS endorsement, and they'll need to verify your working relationship.

Australian Capital Territory

  • Term: Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) with NDIS Worker clearance
  • Where to apply: Access Canberra
  • Cost: $163 for paid work, free for volunteers
  • Valid for: 5 years
  • Contact: Access Canberra on 13 22 81

Process:

  1. The application uses the same forms and processes as a standard WWVP registration.
  2. Apply online through Access Canberra.
  3. You'll need to provide 4 identity documents (1 commencement, 1 primary, 2 secondary).
  4. Within 30 days of submitting your online form, visit an Access Canberra service centre with your original identity documents to confirm your identity and have your photo taken.
  5. Nominate at least one employer (or nominated NDIS provider) to endorse your NDIS application. You'll need their NDIS Employer ID.
  6. If your NDIS clearance is granted, your WWVP registration card will show 'NDIS ACTIVITIES – Yes'.

What information do I need for my NDIS Worker Screening Check application?

People with multiple pieces of paper on a desk
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson / Unsplash

When you apply for your NDIS Worker Screening Check, you'll be asked for your employer's details. If you want to become a Like Family support worker, you can list us as an employer using the details below.

Keep in mind that you're an independent contractor, so any other checks you apply for won't be attached to Like Family.

  • Our NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission number: 4-3LLK-349
  • Our name: Home Care Heroes Pty Ltd trading as Like Family
  • Address: Please enter your residential address, as you're an independent contractor

You'll also need certain documentation to prove your identity, which varies by state or territory as detailed above.

I've applied. What happens next?

Standard applications with no complications generally clear within 2 to 4 weeks, though applications needing further investigation can take longer. It's worth applying at least 6 to 8 weeks before you need to start work, particularly during peak periods.

If you're cleared, you'll be notified via email and/or mail. You'll then be able to start supporting NDIS participants, unless you have other requirements to fulfil, like the NDIS Worker Orientation Module training.

Your outcome is recorded in the national NDIS Worker Screening Database. You won't need to upload your check anywhere. You can simply provide your NDIS Worker Screening ID to places where you are looking for work or future employers, who can confirm the current status of your check in the database.

Become a support worker with Like Family

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Like Family is a proud NDIS provider helping Australians with disability access quality social and community support.

We have a network of over 3,200 Support Workers, who we call Social Carers, helping Members increase their independence, participate in the community, and enjoy life to the fullest.

We believe in creating meaningful, long-lasting connections. That's why we're dedicated to matching Social Carers with the right Member based on age, location, support experience, interests, and much more.

If you're interested in becoming a Social Carer with us, sign up below.

Become a Like Family Support Worker

Frequently asked questions

Is the NDIS Worker Screening Check the same as a Police Check?

No. It's a broader, disability-specific risk assessment that includes criminal history alongside workplace misconduct, AVOs, and other relevant information, plus five years of ongoing monitoring. A standard Police Check doesn't include this.

Can I use my check if I move interstate?

Yes. The check is national, so a clearance issued in one state or territory lets you work in any NDIS role anywhere in Australia. You don't need to reapply.

What happens if my clearance expires while I'm working?

You must stop performing your risk-assessed role immediately. There's no grace period, so it's best to start your renewal as soon as the 90-day window opens.

Do volunteers need a check?

Yes, but it's free in every state and territory. If a volunteer later moves into paid work, they'll need to convert their clearance and pay the applicable fee.

Is there an exemption for healthcare professionals like nurses or OTs?

Currently, there's no blanket exemption. Even Ahpra-registered professionals generally need a valid check to work in a risk-assessed NDIS role.