New to worker screening

Do I need a Disability Worker Screening Card

From 1 February 2021, all newly engaged workers will need a disability worker screening check if they are engaged by an NDIS registered provider in a risk assessed role, or a state-funded provider delivering disability supports or services.

It is your employer’s responsibility to know whether you need a disability worker screening clearance for the type of work you will be doing. Please confirm with your employer before applying.

'No Card, No Start' - when does it apply?

‘No card, no start’ rules aim to improve the quality and safety of disability services and supports in Queensland.

These rules mean that workers who are working in a risk assessed role for a NDIS registered provider or who are providing disability supports or services for a state-funded provider, must have a valid clearance before they can start work.

Unregistered providers and self-managed NDIS participants may also request that workers providing NDIS supports or services be screened. While these workers can start work after submitting their application, it is up to the unregistered provider or self-managed participant if they want their worker to wait until the clearance is received.

Any worker who has a paid yellow card or yellow card exemption application that was pending on 1 February 2021 can continue to work while the Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (the Department) Worker Screening Unit processes the transitioned application. The Worker Screening Unit will be in contact with these applicants to provide specific instructions on what to do next.

Types of Clearances

There are two types of clearances available to workers providing disability supports and services in Queensland. If you are unsure of which worker screening clearance applies to you, talk to your employer.

My Rights and Obligations

For more information on your rights and obligations please view the Worker's Rights and Obligations page.

Already hold a NDIS or Queensland Disability Worker Screening Clearance?

If you already hold a disability worker screening card issued in Queensland after 1 February 2021, you can access a range of services to manage your clearance and comply with your legislative notice obligations.

For further details, visit the existing NDIS and Qld worker screening page.  

Already have a Yellow Card or Yellow Card Exemption?

If you already have a valid yellow card or yellow card exemption, you won’t need to get a disability worker screening check straight away. You can keep using your existing card until it expires, is suspended or is cancelled. 

What happens when my yellow card or yellow card exemption is about to expire?

You can apply for a disability worker screening check up to three months before the expiry of your yellow card or yellow card exemption. To keep working while your application is processed, it needs to be submitted and verified by your employer before your card expires. If you fail to do so, you may be subject to ‘no card, no start’ rules which will require you to stop working until you receive a clearance.

Existing yellow card or yellow card exemption?

If you have an existing yellow card or yellow card exemption you can access a range of services to manage your existing clearance, including letting us know of any changes in your circumstances or details, or to request a replacement card and other services. For further details visit the existing yellow card holder page.

How do I apply?

If you have three months or less remaining on an existing yellow card or yellow card exemption you can apply now for a disability working screening clearance.