The first batch of NDIS Worker Screening Checks expire in February 2026

URGENT: If you’re an NDIS provider, HR manager, or compliance officer, you need to know about a critical deadline happening right now. The first wave of 5-year NDIS Worker Screening Checks are expiring starting February 1, 2026.

This isn’t just another compliance update—it’s a potential workforce crisis that could shut down service delivery overnight if not managed properly.

Why This Matters: The NDIS Renewal Imperative Explained

Back in 2021, the NDIS Commission rolled out the nationally consistent NDIS Worker Screening Check framework. These clearances are valid for 5 years, which means the first batch is now reaching expiry.

Here’s what happens when a clearance expires:

• ❌ Workers cannot work in risk-assessed roles
• ❌ No personal care delivery permitted
• ❌ No access to participant information
• ❌ Immediate compliance breach for registered providers
• ❌ Service delivery stops completely

According to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, renewal notices began rolling out from November 1, 2025. Workers can apply to renew up to 90 days before their clearance expires, but must submit at least 7 days before expiry to ensure continuous coverage.

The Hidden Problem: How Do You Know Who’s Expiring When?

Here’s where most NDIS providers are caught off-guard. While the government worker screening units handle the actual clearance process, they don’t provide proactive monitoring or alerts for your entire workforce.

You’re expected to:

1. Manually track each worker’s expiry date
2. Remember to check the NDIS Worker Screening Database regularly
3. Notify workers individually about upcoming renewals
4. Verify renewal applications through your NDIS portal
5. Keep records of all clearance statuses

For organisations with dozens—or hundreds—of workers, this manual tracking system is a compliance disaster waiting to happen.

Real-World Impact: What Providers Are Facing

“We had three support workers whose clearances expired within the same week. We didn’t realise until a routine audit flagged it. We had to immediately pull them from rosters, leaving massive gaps in our service delivery. It was chaos.” — HR Manager, Melbourne disability services provider

The consequences of missing renewal deadlines include:

• Immediate workforce gaps: Workers cannot operate until renewed
• Financial penalties: Compliance breaches can result in fines
• Reputational damage: Failure to maintain compliant workforce
• Service disruption: Participants left without critical supports
• Emergency hiring costs: Scrambling for replacement workers

The Solution: Automated Compliance Monitoring

While government agencies handle the NDIS Worker Screening Check process itself, you need a system that monitors your workforce and alerts you before problems occur.

That’s where WorkerChecks Check Hub comes in.

How Check Hub Prevents Renewal Disasters

1. Continuous Workforce Monitoring

Check Hub maintains a real-time database of your entire workforce’s clearance status. No more manual spreadsheets or calendar reminders.

2. Automatic Expiry Alerts

Both employers AND workers receive notifications well before clearances expire. You’ll know 90 days out, 60 days out, 30 days out, and 7 days before expiry.

3. Centralised Compliance Dashboard

See your entire workforce at a glance. Filter by expiry date, clearance status, or role type. Generate compliance reports instantly.

4. Worker Self-Service Portal

Your workers can access their own clearance details and expiry dates, reducing the administrative burden on your HR team.

5. Integration with National Police Checks

While NDIS Worker Screening is separate from National Police Checks, many workers need both. Check Hub tracks all workforce screening requirements in one place.

The February 2026 Timeline: What You Need to Do NOW

Timeframe	Action Required
Right Now (February 2026)	Audit your workforce. Identify all workers with clearances issued in 2021.
Within 7 Days	Set up automated monitoring system (like Check Hub) to track expiries.
Within 14 Days	Notify all workers with upcoming expiries about renewal requirements.
Ongoing	Verify renewal applications as they’re submitted. Monitor clearance status through NDIS database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can WorkerChecks do my NDIS Worker Screening Checks?

A: No. NDIS Worker Screening Checks can only be processed by government worker screening units in each state and territory. However, WorkerChecks Check Hub monitors and tracks your workforce’s clearance status, providing automated alerts before expiries occur.

Q: What’s the difference between NDIS Worker Screening and National Police Checks?

A: NDIS Worker Screening Checks are specific to disability sector work and valid for 5 years. National Police Checks are broader employment screening typically valid for 3 years. Many NDIS workers need both. Check Hub tracks all screening types in one centralised system.

Q: How far in advance should workers renew?

A: Workers can apply up to 90 days before expiry. To ensure continuous coverage, submit renewal applications at least 7 days before the current clearance expires.

Q: What if a worker’s clearance expires while renewal is being processed?

A: The worker cannot work in risk-assessed roles during this gap period. This is why early renewal submission is critical. Check Hub’s alert system ensures you have enough lead time to avoid these gaps.

Q: Are NDIS clearances recognised across all states?

A: Yes. NDIS Worker Screening Checks are nationally recognised. Workers don’t need to reapply if they move states or change employers.

Case Study: How One Provider Avoided the Renewal Crisis

The Challenge: Disability Connect Services (Melbourne) manages 47 support workers across Victoria. Their HR manager realised in December 2025 that 12 workers had clearances expiring between February and April 2026.

The Solution: They implemented WorkerChecks Check Hub in early January 2026.

The Results:

• ✅ All 12 workers received automated alerts 60 days before expiry
• ✅ HR team received weekly status updates on renewal applications
• ✅ 100% of workers renewed clearances before expiry
• ✅ Zero service disruption
• ✅ HR administrative time reduced by 15 hours per month

“Check Hub saved us from what would have been a compliance nightmare. The automated alerts meant our workers knew exactly when to renew, and we could verify everything was on track. No last-minute panic, no workforce gaps.” — Sarah Chen, HR Manager, Disability Connect Services

Beyond February 2026: Building a Long-Term Compliance Strategy

The February 2026 expiry wave is just the beginning. Over the next 5 years, every NDIS Worker Screening Check issued since 2021 will need renewal.

Smart providers are using this crisis as an opportunity to implement automated compliance monitoring that will:

• Eliminate manual tracking spreadsheets
• Reduce HR administrative burden
• Prevent future compliance gaps
• Provide audit-ready reporting
• Give workers self-service access to their clearance status

What Aged Care Providers Need to Know

Important update: The Australian Government is working with states and territories to introduce a new aged care worker screening check that will align with NDIS screening. While this won’t commence before mid-2026, it’s another reason to implement a comprehensive workforce monitoring system now.

Future-proofing your compliance: Check Hub will accommodate the new aged care screening requirements, ensuring you’re ready when mutual recognition between NDIS and aged care sectors is finalised.

Take Action Today: Don’t Wait for the Crisis

The February 2026 NDIS Worker Screening renewal deadline is not going away. The question is: will you be caught scrambling to prevent workforce shutdowns, or will you have a proactive monitoring system in place?

With WorkerChecks Check Hub, you can:

✓ Monitor your entire workforce’s clearance status in real-time

✓ Receive automatic alerts before clearances expire

✓ Give workers self-service access to their compliance status

✓ Generate instant compliance reports for audits

✓ Track National Police Checks, NDIS clearances, and other workforce screening

Don’t let expired clearances shut down your workforce.

Learn More About Check Hub

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Related Resources:

• How to Set Up Your Business Portal for Workforce Monitoring
• NDIS Worker Screening Check: Who need an NDIS Worker Screening Check?
• Aged Care Screening requirements and the NDIS Worker Screening: What’s the Difference?
• Bulk Screening Solutions for Large NDIS Providers

Last updated: February 2026. Information current as of publication date. NDIS Worker Screening Checks are processed by state and territory government agencies. WorkerChecks provides compliance monitoring and tracking services.