NDIS Worker Screening Cost 2025
Find out how much an NDIS Worker Screening Check costs in your state. Compare fees, processing times, and application links across all 8 Australian states and territories.
Key Facts
What's Checked
- National Criminal History Check
- Working with vulnerable people history
- Workplace misconduct records
- Continuous monitoring during validity
Note: Fees may change. Always verify current fees on the official state website before applying.
Select Your State
Choose where you'll primarily work with NDIS participants.
New South Wales
NSWApplication Fee
$80
Processing Time
2-3
weeks
Application Details
All States Comparison
Documents You'll Need
- 100 points of ID - Driver's licence, passport, birth certificate, etc.
- Current address proof - Utility bill, bank statement (within 3 months)
- Employment details - Current or prospective NDIS employer name
- Payment method - Credit/debit card for online payment
Frequently Asked Questions
An NDIS Worker Screening Check in NSW costs $80 as of 2025. This is one of the lowest costs in Australia.
- Processed by Service NSW
- Typically takes 2-3 weeks
- Valid for 5 years
- Nationally portable - work in any state
Apply online at service.nsw.gov.au
Processing times vary by state:
| State | Typical Processing |
|---|---|
| NSW, VIC, WA, SA, ACT | 2-3 weeks |
| QLD, TAS, NT | 2-4 weeks |
Processing may take longer if:
- Additional information is required
- There are discrepancies in your application
- It's during a peak application period
Tip: You can work under supervision while waiting for your clearance.
No, NDIS Worker Screening is more comprehensive than a standard police check:
| Aspect | Police Check | NDIS Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal history | Yes | Yes |
| Disability-specific assessment | No | Yes |
| Workplace misconduct | No | Yes |
| Continuous monitoring | No | Yes |
| Risk assessment | No | Yes |
The NDIS Worker Screening Check specifically assesses risk of harm to NDIS participants.
An NDIS Worker Screening clearance is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
During this time:
- Your clearance is continuously monitored
- If new relevant information emerges, your clearance may be reviewed
- You can use the same clearance across all employers
- It's valid in all Australian states and territories
Renewal: Apply for renewal before your clearance expires to avoid gaps in your ability to work.
Yes, volunteers in risk-assessed roles need an NDIS Worker Screening Check. However:
- Many states offer reduced or free fees for genuine volunteers
- NSW offers free checks for volunteers through eligible organisations
- Some incidental volunteers may be exempt
Contact your state's Worker Screening Unit to ask about volunteer fee waivers before applying.
Apply in the state or territory where you primarily work or intend to work with NDIS participants.
Good news: The clearance is nationally portable!
- Once cleared in any state, you can work anywhere in Australia
- No need for separate checks in each state
- Employers can verify your clearance nationally
Tip: If you have a choice, NSW has the lowest fee ($80) and quick processing.
You don't need to transfer - your clearance is automatically valid nationally.
Once you receive a clearance from any state:
- You can work with NDIS participants in any state/territory
- Employers can verify your status through the NDIS Worker Screening Database
- Your clearance number works everywhere
- No additional applications or fees needed