An NDIS Worker Check (NDISWC) is valid for 5 years.

We send you an email and SMS 3 months, 2 months and 1 month before your NDISWC clearance expires. We will also notify you if it expires. 

You can reapply from 3 months before it expires. You cannot reapply any sooner.
If you no longer need an NDISWC, there is nothing you need to do. Your NDISWC will automatically expire. 

If you still need an NDISWC clearance, reapply as soon as possible.

Processing your application

We process most applications within a few days or weeks after your employer verifies it. However, some applications take longer. Reapplying early is best. Your current NDISWC clearance will end on its expiry date. There are no extensions. 

If you reapply and we finalise your application before the expiry date, your new NDISWC clearance will start from the expiry date.

However, if you reapply before the expiry date, but we are unable to finalise your application before that date, your NDISWC clearance will expire. There will be a gap in your eligibility to work. Your NDISWC will resume from the date we complete your reapplication.

Any exclusion, interim bar or suspension decision will take effect immediately.

Reapplying for your NDISWC when it is about to expire (or has expired) is the same as applying the first time. There are three steps: 

1. Apply online
2. Visit a Service NSW centre to pay the application fee, present your identity documents and have your photo taken
3. Your NDIS employer verifies your application via the NDIS Worker Screening Database portal.

Once your application is verified by your employer, we commence our background checks.

More information about applying

To make sure you receive our expiry reminders, check the contact details you have registered on your NDISWC. 

Login to your MyServiceNSW account using the website (not mobile phone app). Then go to your NDISWC and choose Contact Details. 

Update your email and phone number details if necessary.

Your NDISWC is a digital credential. In New South Wales, it is linked to your MyServiceNSW account. From your MyServiceNSW account, you can:

• Apply
• Add a new employer 
• See the status of your application 
• See your NDISWC number, status, and expiry date 
• See and update your contact details 
• Link your NDISWC with your MyServiceNSW account.

If you can’t see your NDISWC, check you are accessing your MyServiceNSW account from the website and not the mobile phone app.

You can link your NDISWC to a new MyServiceNSW account, if needed:

• Log in to your new MyServiceNSW account from the website (not mobile phone app) 
• Go to NDISWC
• Select Link your NDISWC
• Enter the following five details: First name, Last name, Date of birth, NDISWC number, Email address or Phone number or Town of birth

If the details entered match those registered on your NDISWC, it will link your NDISWC to your MyServiceNSW account. You can then view and transact with your NDISWC. 

To link your NDISWC to your new MyServiceNSW account, you might need to use an old email address or phone number if you haven’t updated your details with us. Once you have linked your NDISWC to your new MyServiceNSW account, you can then update your contact details.

Your NDISWC is a national check. 

You apply in one state or territory and use it across Australia. Your NDISWC is registered on a national database and is valid in all states and territories, with all NDIS employers, and for any NDIS roles. 

If you have an NDISWC from another state or territory and are reapplying in New South Wales, do not also reapply elsewhere. Duplicate applications will be cancelled.

Generally, you apply in the state or territory where you live or work. If you live and work across borders, you still only reapply in one state or territory.