NDIS Participants — Your Guide to Worker Screening
All workers that work for a Registered NDIS provider need to be screened. Here is what that means for you as a participant — and what you can do.
Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Act 2020, every worker employed or engaged by a Registered NDIS provider in a risk-assessed role must hold a current NDIS Worker Screening clearance before they can deliver supports to you. This is the law — not optional.
What is the NDIS Worker Screening Check?
All workers that work for a Registered NDIS provider need to be screened. This is a legal requirement under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Act 2020. It applies to support workers, coordinators, key personnel, contractors, and volunteers — anyone working in a risk-assessed role.
The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a national safety check. The Government reviews a worker's criminal history and other relevant information. If the worker is safe to work with people with disability, they receive a Clearance. If they are not safe, they are Excluded and cannot work in NDIS roles. It is an offence for a worker to work without a valid clearance — penalties apply.
In Western Australia, the check is managed by the Screening Unit in the Department of Communities. The clearance is national — once issued in WA, it is recognised across all states and territories in Australia.
The clearance lasts for five years. Workers are also monitored continuously — if something changes in their history, their clearance can be reviewed at any time.
Step-by-step guide: How to get your screening check in WAWhat Does This Mean For You?
Every worker that works for a Registered NDIS provider needs to be screened — this is the law, not a choice.
Workers without a current clearance are not permitted to work in your home or provide your supports.
The screening check is one of several safeguards that protect you as an NDIS participant.
You do not need to do anything to make the check happen — your NDIS provider manages this on your behalf.
How to Check a Worker's Clearance Status
You have the right to confirm that your worker holds a valid NDIS clearance. Here is how:
Contact Your NDIS Provider
Call or email your support coordinator or provider and ask them to confirm your worker's NDIS clearance status. You do not need to give a reason — it is your right to ask.
They Check the National Database
Your provider will verify the worker's current status in the national NDIS Worker Screening Database. This database is updated in real time.
They Confirm Back to You
Your provider will let you know whether the worker holds a current clearance. If there is any issue, they should act immediately to ensure your supports are not affected.
If You Are Still Concerned
If you are not satisfied with the response or feel unsafe, you can contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission directly (see the Contacts section below).
Your Rights & Safety
Safe supports
You have the right to receive supports from workers who have been screened and cleared.
Ask for proof
You can ask your provider to confirm that your worker holds a current NDIS clearance at any time.
Raise concerns
If you have concerns about a worker, you can speak to your provider or support coordinator at any time.
Make a complaint
You can contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission if you feel unsafe or unsupported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a different worker if I feel uncomfortable?
Yes. You always have the right to choose who supports you. Speak with your provider or support coordinator and ask them to arrange an alternative worker.
What if my worker's clearance expires?
Your provider is responsible for tracking all worker clearance dates and ensuring renewals happen before expiry. You should never be supported by a worker with an expired clearance.
Does the screening check mean a worker has no criminal history at all?
Not necessarily. The check looks at whether any history poses an unacceptable risk to people with disability. A worker may have a minor, unrelated matter on their record and still receive a clearance. The focus is always on your safety.
What if I manage my own supports (self-managed)?
If you self-manage your NDIS funding and hire your own workers, you should ask those workers to show you their NDIS clearance certificate before they start supporting you.
Is this the same as a police check?
No. The NDIS Worker Screening Check is more comprehensive than a standard police check. It considers a wider range of information and is specifically designed to protect people with disability.
Who to Contact
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
For complaints or safety concerns.
Need help understanding this guide?
This information is available in other formats, including Easy Read. Contact your provider or support coordinator for assistance.