Does the NDIS pay for interpreters?

Two kinds of interpreting

It helps to separate interpreting you need because English is not your first language from interpreting you need because of your disability. They are paid for in different ways:

• Language interpreting: free for NDIS participants through TIS National, the Translating and Interpreting Service, which has interpreters in more than 150 languages
• Disability related interpreting: such as Auslan, tactile signing for people who are deafblind, or support to communicate in community activities. This can be funded in your NDIS plan

Free interpreters through TIS National

The NDIS has partnered with TIS National so information about the NDIS can be shared in a language you understand. NDIS participants and carers are not charged for this service. It can be immediate phone interpreting, pre booked phone interpreting, video or on site interpreting.

To contact the NDIA, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask them to call the NDIS on 1800 800 110. To contact the NDIS Commission, ask them to call 1800 035 544.

Registered NDIS providers can access funded interpreting through TIS National for the supports they deliver, and the NDIS Commission says registered providers must support participants who need an interpreter. Ask your provider to book one, rather than relying on family members to interpret.

Auslan and disability related interpreting

TIS National does not provide Auslan or First Nations language interpreting. If you need Auslan or another form of interpreting because of your disability, the NDIS can fund it as an interpreting and translation support. The NDIS supports rules describe these as supports that help you communicate independently in personal, social, cultural or community activities where interpreting is needed because of your disability.

Think about where you need an interpreter: appointments, community groups, family events, study or work. Include this in your goals and planning conversations so the funding matches your life.

First Nations languages

If you need an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language interpreter, the NDIS Commission suggests asking your local area coordinator, NDIS planner, support coordinator or remote community connector to arrange one.

What other systems cover

Some interpreting is the responsibility of other services. Hospitals and health services usually arrange interpreters for medical appointments, and schools, employers and government agencies have their own obligations to make communication accessible. The National Relay Service can help with phone calls if you are Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability.

Interpreting and the 2026 changes

The government's August 2026 consultation on new NDIS supports rules keeps interpreting and translation supports as one of 18 proposed categories, with a broader description that includes civic activities. These are proposals, not law yet.

Interpreting and translation is not one of the two categories reduced by the October 2026 funding reset.

For providers

Registered providers should register with TIS National to access funded interpreting, offer an interpreter early, and record each participant's preferred language and communication method. Write service agreements in plain language and check understanding at each step. Unregistered providers should talk with participants about how interpreting will be arranged before services start.