NDIS Worker Screening Check cost by state
What the NDIS Worker Screening Check costs in each Australian state and territory in 2026, where to apply, and how long it takes — for paid workers and volunteers.
How much does an NDIS Worker Screening Check cost?
NDIS Worker Screening Check cost by state (indicative)
Why does the cost vary between states?
Who pays for the check — you or the employer?
What you're actually paying for (and how long it lasts)
Do you always need one — and can you start before it's approved?
How to apply, step by step
How to avoid paying more than you need to
Screening cost vs. your pay vs. provider pricing — keep them separate
Frequently asked questions
Is the NDIS Worker Screening Check the same as a police check?
No. A National Police Check is a one-off snapshot of your record on the day it is issued, while the NDIS Worker Screening Check is a five-year clearance with continuous monitoring against new police, court and disciplinary information. Worker Screening is specifically designed for people working with people with disability, and it usually costs more than a plain police check because of that ongoing monitoring. A police check alone does not satisfy the Worker Screening requirement, so if you buy only a police check you will still have to pay for the screening check on top.
Do I have to pay for the check myself?
Not always. Many NDIS providers cover or reimburse the fee as part of onboarding, particularly for employees, so ask every prospective employer whether they pay for Worker Screening before you apply. If you are an independent or sole-trader support worker you will generally pay for your own, but because the clearance is portable and lasts five years, it is a one-off cost you carry rather than a per-job expense. Keep the tax invoice, and confirm with the ATO whether it is deductible in your circumstances.
How long does an NDIS Worker Screening Check last?
A cleared NDIS Worker Screening Check is valid for five years from the date it is granted, unless it is suspended or revoked earlier because of new information. During those five years your record is continuously monitored, so you do not reapply each time you change jobs. Set a calendar reminder two to three months before the five years lapse so you can renew on your own timeline rather than under pressure, and avoid a gap where you are not cleared to work.
Can I use one clearance for multiple employers?
Yes. Your clearance is linked to you, not to a single employer, so you can associate multiple registered NDIS providers with the same clearance. If you change jobs within the five-year period, you link the new provider to your existing clearance rather than buying a new check. If an employer asks you to get a fresh check when you already hold a valid one, ask them to link to yours instead — a registered provider can do this at no cost to you.
Why is the check cheaper or more expensive in different states?
Because each state and territory runs its own Worker Screening Unit and sets its own fee under a nationally agreed model. The NDIS Commission sets the national rules for who must be screened and how the clearance works, but the price is a state decision, so administrative costs and concession policies differ. Always check the current fee with your own state or territory screening unit, since that is the only price that applies to you, and apply in the jurisdiction where you live.
Can I start working before my check is approved?
Sometimes, but never assume so. Some registered providers permit limited, supervised work while an application is being processed under specific conditions set by the NDIS Commission, but this is the provider's decision and is tightly restricted. The safest approach is to apply well ahead of your intended start date and confirm the rules with both the provider and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, rather than counting on being able to begin before you are cleared.
Does the screening fee affect how much I get paid?
No, they are completely separate. Your pay is set by the SCHADS award (MA000100) and confirmed through the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool, with loadings like casual 25%, Saturday 150%, Sunday 200% and public holidays 250%, and superannuation rising to 12% from 1 July 2026. The screening fee is just an upfront cost of being allowed to work, and it is different again from the NDIS price limit a provider charges a participant's plan. Do not let anyone blur those three numbers together when quoting you a rate.