Eligibility

The following groups can access the Free Interpreting Service:

• Medical practitioners: when delivering Medicare-rebatable services in private practice. Nurses, reception and other practice support staff can also access the service when working with the registered medical practitioner.
• Pharmacies: to provide community pharmacy services.
• Non-government organisations (NGOs): when providing casework and emergency services, where the organisation does not receive substantial government funding to provide these services.
• Real estate agencies: to discuss any private residential property matter.
• Local government authorities: to communicate about most local government services.
• Trade unions: to assist workers to access support and advice.
• Parliamentarians: for constituency purposes.
• Eligible allied health professionals: when delivering Medicare-rebatable services in private practice within specific local government areas (LGA).

Why should eligible groups engage an interpreter?

Australia has rich cultural and linguistic diversity. The 2021 census revealed that over 5.5 million Australians speak a language other than English at home. Furthermore, Australians represent over 250 different ancestries and speak more than 350 languages.

The Free Interpreting Services helps eligible groups to communicate with clients who have limited or no English proficiency. Engaging a credentialed interpreter can facilitate better access to essential services for these clients and is particularly important for conversations in technical, legal or health contexts.

Using the Free Interpreting Service is easy and convenient. It is quick and simple for service providers to register and they can be connected to a phone interpreter within a few minutes of calling.

Find out if you're eligible

This calculator will give you an indication if your organisation might be eligible for free interpreting through TIS National and how to register for TIS National services depending on what category your organisation falls into.

This is not an application for the Free Interpreting Service, but it will give you instructions on how to apply for the Free Interpreting Service if you are found to be eligible.

The outcome of this calculator will give you an indication only, and the application you lodge will ultimately determine whether your organisation will be found eligible for free services through TIS National.

Eligibility calculator

Services available

Eligible groups can use the Free Interpreting Service to access interpreting services delivered by TIS National, including:

• immediate phone interpreting
• Automated Telephone Interpreting Service (ATIS)
• pre-booked phone interpreting
• on-site interpreting (not available to pharmacies or real estate agents)
• video remote interpreting. 

Does TIS National provide document translation services?

TIS National does not provide a commercial document translation service. If you need to complete a commercial translation, you can search for a credentialed translator through the National Accreditation Authority for Translating and Interpreting (NAATI) website.

The Department of Home Affairs provides a free translating service for people settling permanently in Australia. Permanent residents and select temporary or provisional visa holders are able to have up to ten eligible documents translated, into English, within the first two years of their eligible visa grant date.

From 1 July 2017, applications for the Free Translation Service are made online at translating.homeaffairs.gov.au. Clients need to provide evidence of their eligibility for this service when applying.

Register for the Free Interpreting Service

Each eligible individual, group or organisation will need their own unique client code to access the service. To register for the Free Interpreting Service, complete the client registration form.

If you require assistance with registering or have queries about eligibility, contact TIS National’s Free Interpreting Service team.