Introduction
An NDIS Worker Check is valid for 5 years and can be used across Australia with any NDIS employer and in any NDIS role.
If you move interstate or change employers or roles while your NDIS Worker Check is current you do not have to reapply. Duplicate applications will be cancelled.
In NSW there are 3 steps involved in an NDIS Worker Check application.
- Apply online through your MyServiceNSW Account.
- Visit a Service NSW Centre within 28 days of starting your online application.
- Service NSW will send your application to the NDIS Worker Check screening agency to check it is valid.
Eligibility
An NDIS Worker Check clearance is only required for roles that are:
- likely to require 'more than incidental contact' with NDIS participants, or
- involved in the delivery of 'specified supports and services', or
- classified as 'key personnel'.
Your employer will tell you if you need an NDIS Worker Check as part of your work.
You cannot apply for an NDIS Worker Check if you're:
- not yet employed or
- not about to be employed by an NDIS provider.
What you need
To complete the online application you need:
- a MyServiceNSW Account
- 3 identity documents such as:
- Australian driver licence
- Australian passport
- Medicare card
- your current name, address and contact details, and if applicable:
- previous names that you've been known by, throughout your life
- other addresses you've had over the last 5 years
- your employer's NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission registration number or name.
Identity document requirements
Your identity documents must:
- be current (not expired)
- be original (not copies, photos or scans)
- be government-issued if using digital documents such as digital driver licence, Medicare or Centrelink cards.
For full details of the document requirements read the NDIS Worker Check application guide.
Special provisions for identity documents
If you do not have the minimum identity documents in the NDIS Worker Check application guide you may still be able to apply online using special provisions.
Personal information and consent
You also need to:
- provide personal information about any:
- other worker-screening checks
- child protection matters
- crimes committed overseas
- workplace misconduct
- give consent to:
- a criminal history check
- information you've provided being shared with other agencies involved in NDIS regulation and worker screening.
Parent/legal guardian consent
If you're under 18 you need:
- your parent/legal guardian's personal and contact details
- consent to your application from your parent/legal guardian.
How to apply
Step 1: online application
- Select the 'Go to NDIS Worker Check' button.
- Log in or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
- Follow the prompts to complete the online part of your application.
- A confirmation email will be sent to you with an application number.
Help with your application
- For help with your account go to MyServiceNSW Account help topics.
- For full details of the document requirements read the NDIS Worker Check application guide.
- To track the progress of your application you can Check the status of your NDIS Worker Check.
Step 2: visit a Service NSW Centre
Visit a Service NSW Centre within 28 days of starting the online application form with:
- your application number
- your original identity documents (not photocopies, photos or scans)
Note: if your documents are under different names you must bring any change of name documents such as your marriage certificate - the application fee ($107, or free for volunteers).
Note: the application fee is non-refundable.
Getting your photo taken
When you go to the service centre you will have your photo taken.
To make sure the photo taken of you at a service centre is acceptable for your application follow these photo guidelines.
Payment and fees
You need to pay a fee for this service. You cannot pay with cash at some Service NSW Centres. Check our payment methods page for the list of locations where cash is not accepted.
Step 3: your application is verified
Service NSW will send your application to the NDIS Worker Check screening agency to check it is valid.
After your application is confirmed as valid:
- it is uploaded to the NDIS Worker Screening Database and
- your employer will be contacted and has 30 days to verify your application.
When your application is verified you receive a confirmation email and the assessment process begins.
When the assessment is finished you get an email with the result.
What happens next
The time it takes to process an application varies. It may take longer if more information is needed for a risk assessment or another reason.
You can log into your MyServiceNSW Account to check the status of your NDIS Worker Check.
Your digital record
If your application is successful the 'NDIS Worker Check' certification is added to the 'My Services' page in your MyServiceNSW Account.
The NDIS Worker Check certification is digital – you do not receive an NDIS Worker Check certificate or card.
You manage your NDIS Worker Check in your MyServiceNSW Account. This includes:
- checking the status of your application and
- updating your details.
You cannot use the Service NSW mobile phone app to apply for or to access your NDIS Worker Check details. You must log in to your MyServiceNSW Account.
Expiry and reapplying
An NDIS Worker Check is valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed but you can reapply.
An email and SMS expiry date reminder is sent to you 3 months, 2 months and 1 month before your NDIS Worker Check clearance expires. You will also receive an email and SMS after your NDIS Worker Check clearance has expired.
To make sure you receive expiry reminders update your NDIS Worker Check details.
When you reapply for an NDIS Worker Check it is the same process as applying for the first time.
You do not need to do anything if your NDIS Worker Check expires and you do not need it for your work or volunteering.
When you can reapply
You can reapply from 3 months before your NDIS Worker Check expires. You cannot reapply any sooner.