NGO application for the Free Interpreting Service form

The Free Interpreting Service aims to provide equitable access to key services for people with limited or no English language proficiency. TIS National delivers the Free Interpreting Service on behalf of the Australian Government.

Non-government organisations (NGOs) can use the Free Interpreting Service to provide approved casework or emergency services that are essential to economic or social participation. This includes services that manage issues arising from health conditions, housing, employment, personal or family safety, and financial crisis.

NGOs are eligible to access the Free Interpreting Service if they are:

  • a not for profit, non-government and community based organisation
  • delivering services to anyone in Australia who is eligible for Medicare
  • providing approved casework or emergency services
  • not receiving substantial government funding for the delivery of the service (organisations delivering government funded services should discuss access to interpreters with their government funding body).

More detailed information on eligibility can be found here.

Medical practitioners, pharmacies and pharmacists, real estate agencies, trade unions, local government agencies and parliamentarians are also eligible for the Free Interpreting service and should register using the client registration form.

Note: If you are applying for funded interpreting Services under a Commonwealth Government program, please register for a TIS National account here.  When registering, select the category Commonwealth and ensure you include the name of the Commonwealth program in the section name field. Our Client Engagement Team will review your registration and advise if you have been approved.

To establish whether your organization is already registered with TIS National or for information on how to access funded interpreting services please contact TIS National on 1300 655 820 or email tispromo@homeaffairs.gov.au.

Eligible NGOs can apply for access to the Free Interpreting Service using the online form below.

To enable us to assess your application as quickly as possible, please provide as much complete and accurate information as possible. TIS National will contact you to advise you of the outcome of your application as soon as possible.

 

* Indicates a required field

Organisation's Details
Contact officer for application More information This is the person who is applying for free interpreting on behalf of your organisation. They will be the contact person for this application.
Mailing address More information This is the mailing address of your organisation or agency. Please include the building name, unit number, street number and street name.

Is the street address of your organisation the same as the mailing address?*

Eligibility for the Free Interpreting Service
+ Attach more documents

Note: You are not eligible for the Free Interpreting Service as a Non-Government Organisation. Please go to the client registration form to register for a TIS National client code or contact our Language Policy Liaison team on 1300 575 847 to clarify your eligibility.

Details of the funding government department

Please provide details of the funding arrangement of your organisation so that we can assess your application for free interpreting services.

Please indicate the period of time for which funding has been received*
+ Add another funding department
Do you have an existing TIS National client code?*
Recent annual report and financial statements
Supporting documentation* More information If you are having problems uploading these documents, please either email them direct to tis.lpl@homeaffairs.gov.au or provide a link to your website where the documentation can be accessed
+ Attach more documents

I certify that I am authorised to provide the information contained in this application form and certify that it is true and accurate*

It is understood that by submitting this application form, the organisation is agreeing to abide by the free interpreting service terms and conditions upon being approved to use the Free Interpreting Service under the NGO category*

I have read and understood the department’s privacy statement*
I have read and understood the department’s security statement*
I have read and understood the department’s terms and conditions*

Note: If a service is government funded, interpreting costs should be built into the funding agreement. Fully government funded services are not eligible for exemption from interpreting fees. If your service is fully government funded please seek funding for interpreting costs from your funding agency.

 

If you are experiencing difficulties completing the application form, please contact the TIS National Free Interpreting Service Team. A copy of the application form in Portable Document Format (PDF) is available on request.

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