DHS Screening Unit

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The DHS Screening Unit is part of the South Australian Department of Human Services and conducts statutory background and risk screening checks (e.g., Working with Children, NDIS worker, aged care and other vulnerable-person related checks) for workers and volunteers.

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
screening.sa.gov.au
Owned by Department of Human Services (South Australia Government)

About DHS Screening Unit

The DHS Screening Unit is a division of the South Australian Department of Human Services (DHS), based in Adelaide, South Australia. It is responsible for conducting statutory background and risk assessments for people who work or volunteer with children, older people, people with disability and other vulnerable groups. Common checks include Working with Children Check (WWCC), NDIS worker checks, aged care sector checks and other vulnerable-person–related screenings required under South Australian and Commonwealth legislation. Applications are submitted online via screening.sa.gov.au, and the Screening Unit assesses relevant police, disciplinary and other information to determine a person’s suitability.

A charge from “DHS Screening Unit”, “DHS SCREENING SA”, or a similar description on your bank or card statement is usually the fee for lodging one of these screening applications through the online portal. Most charges are once‑off application fees, though you may see more than one charge if you submitted multiple checks (for example, a WWCC and an NDIS worker check) or re‑applied after a previous clearance expired. Fees vary by check type and whether you are applying as an employee or volunteer, and are typically processed at the time you submit your application. In some cases you may see a pending card authorisation around the application amount, which will either clear or convert into the final charge once payment is confirmed.

If you are unsure about this charge, first check your emails (including spam/junk folders) for messages from the DHS Screening Unit confirming an application, payment receipt or status update around the date of the transaction. You can also log into your screening account at screening.sa.gov.au to review any applications you have submitted, their payment status, and downloadable receipts or tax invoices. For questions about fees or a charge you do not recognise, contact the DHS Screening Unit via the contact details listed on screening.sa.gov.au (online enquiry form or phone). Have your full name, date of birth, approximate date of application and, if available, your application ID ready, as this will help them locate your record and resolve most billing issues, such as duplicate payments or employer‑funded applications, more quickly.

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  1. DHS - SCREENING UNIT 0874245997 AU

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of fees could I see from the DHS Screening Unit on my bank statement?

Charges from the DHS Screening Unit generally relate to screening application fees, such as a Working with Children Check, NDIS worker check, aged care or other vulnerable-person–related checks. Each type of check has its own fee, and employee applications are usually higher than volunteer applications. The payment is normally processed immediately when you submit and confirm your application online. You may also see multiple charges if you lodged more than one type of check or separate applications for different roles.

How much does a DHS Screening Unit check typically cost?

The exact fee depends on the type of check (e.g., Working with Children, NDIS worker, aged care) and whether you are applying as a paid employee or a volunteer. Employee checks are generally higher, while volunteer checks are offered at a reduced rate or may be free for some categories, in line with South Australian government policy. As fees can change, always refer to the “Fees” or “Apply for a check” section at screening.sa.gov.au for the current schedule of charges. Your payment receipt or tax invoice, available in your online screening account, will show the precise amount charged.

Why do I see more than one DHS Screening Unit charge or a pending transaction?

You might see more than one DHS Screening Unit charge if you submitted multiple applications (for example, for different types of checks) or attempted payment more than once after a card error. Some banks also show a temporary “pending” authorisation for the application amount when you submit payment; this normally either falls away or converts into the final posted charge within a few business days. If you believe you have been charged twice for the same application, contact the DHS Screening Unit with your details and application ID so they can investigate and, where appropriate, arrange an adjustment.

Can I cancel my screening application and get a refund if I no longer need the check?

Once an application has been submitted and assessment has begun, screening fees are generally non‑refundable, even if you later decide you no longer need the clearance or change roles. In limited circumstances—such as a clear duplicate application or an obvious payment error—the DHS Screening Unit may be able to review your situation. If you think you have paid in error, contact them promptly via the enquiry channels on screening.sa.gov.au, providing your name, application ID, date of payment and any supporting documentation. They will advise whether a refund or correction is possible under current policy.

My employer said they would pay—why was my own card charged by the DHS Screening Unit?

Some organisations arrange and pay for checks on behalf of workers or volunteers, while others require individuals to lodge and pay for their own applications. If you entered your own card details during the online application, the charge will appear on your account even if your employer later reimburses you. Check any onboarding instructions or emails from your organisation to confirm who is responsible for payment, and if there has been a misunderstanding, discuss reimbursement directly with your employer. You can download a receipt or tax invoice from your screening account to support any reimbursement claim.

How can I obtain a receipt or tax invoice for my DHS Screening Unit payment?

After you submit and pay for your application, a payment confirmation and receipt are usually emailed to the address you provided. You can also log into your online screening account at screening.sa.gov.au to view your application history and download receipts or tax invoices for completed payments. If you cannot locate a receipt, verify that you are using the correct email address and check spam or junk folders, then contact the Screening Unit with your details if you still need assistance.

How do I contact the DHS Screening Unit about a charge I don’t recognise?

Visit screening.sa.gov.au and use the contact or enquiry section to reach the DHS Screening Unit, either via an online form or the listed phone numbers. When you contact them, provide your full name, date of birth, any previous names, the approximate date and amount of the charge, and your application ID if you have one. This information allows them to quickly determine whether a screening application is linked to your details and clarify why the charge was made. If there is no matching record, they can advise you on next steps, such as checking with your bank.

Does the DHS Screening Unit offer subscriptions or recurring billing for checks?

No. DHS Screening Unit charges are one‑off fees linked to individual screening applications; they do not operate on a subscription or automatic renewal basis. However, you may need to reapply and pay a new fee when a clearance expires, if legislation or your role requires an updated check. If you see repeated charges months or years apart, these usually correspond to separate applications or renewals requested by you or your employer, not an ongoing subscription.

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