Can I appeal an NDIS decision I disagree with?

Yes. Many decisions the NDIA makes can be reviewed. The process has two stages: first an internal review by the NDIA, called a review of a reviewable decision, and then, if you are still unhappy, an external review by the Administrative Review Tribunal. Free independent support is available, and you can ask an advocate for help at any point.

What is an internal review?

An internal review, formally a review of a reviewable decision, is when you ask the NDIA to look at its own decision again. A different staff member who was not involved originally reconsiders it and can confirm, change or set aside the decision. You generally must request it within three months of the decision, explaining which decision you disagree with and why.

How long do I have to ask for an internal review?

You generally need to request an internal review within three months of receiving the decision, so it is important not to delay. Read your decision letter carefully and note the date it was made. If you are close to the limit or unsure, contact the NDIA or an advocate promptly. Check ndis.gov.au for the current process.

How long do I have to go to the Tribunal?

Time limits apply to lodging an external review with the Administrative Review Tribunal, and the rules can change. Rather than relying on an exact number of days quoted elsewhere, check the current guidance from the ART or the NDIS before you lodge. Acting promptly after your internal review outcome is the safest way to avoid missing your window.

Do I need a lawyer to appeal at the Tribunal?

No. You generally do not need a lawyer to take a matter to the Administrative Review Tribunal. The process is designed to be accessible and less formal than a court. Many people are supported by an independent advocate instead. Through the NDIS Appeals Program, free independent support and, in some cases, legal help may be available for the Tribunal stage.

What is the NDIS Appeals Program?

The NDIS Appeals Program provides free, independent support to people challenging an NDIA decision at the Administrative Review Tribunal. It can connect you with an independent advocate and, in some cases, legal support to help you prepare and present your case. Because it is independent of the NDIA, the people helping you are on your side. Contact a local advocacy organisation to access it.

How do I appeal an NDIS decision?

The two-stage process — internal review, then the Administrative Review Tribunal — and the free help available.

If the NDIA has made a decision you disagree with, you do not have to simply accept it. Many decisions the agency makes can be reviewed, and there is a clear process for asking someone to look at it again.

This guide walks through the two stages of appealing an NDIS decision: first an internal review by the NDIA, and then, if you are still unhappy, an external review by the Administrative Review Tribunal. It also explains the free help available so you do not have to do it alone.

In this guide

Many NDIA decisions can be reviewed if you disagree with them.
Stage one is an internal review by the NDIA, called a review of a reviewable decision.
You generally must request the internal review within three months of the decision.
Stage two is an external review by the Administrative Review Tribunal, which replaced the AAT in October 2024.
The free NDIS Appeals Program and independent advocates can support you, and you do not need a lawyer for the Tribunal.

Decisions you can have reviewed

The NDIA makes many decisions along a participant's journey, and a good number of them can be reviewed if you disagree. These are often called reviewable decisions. Common examples include a decision about whether you meet the access requirements to become a participant, decisions about the supports funded in your plan, and other decisions that affect you directly.

If a decision does not feel right, the first thing to do is understand exactly what was decided and why. The NDIA should be able to explain the reasons. Knowing the reasoning helps you work out whether there is information the decision-maker did not have, or whether you think the decision was simply wrong on the facts.

It is worth acting promptly, because there are time limits on asking for a review. Reading the decision letter carefully and noting the date it was made will help you keep track of your options. If you are unsure whether a particular decision can be reviewed, you can ask the NDIA or seek advice from an advocate.

Stage one - internal review

The first stage of appealing is an internal review, formally known as a review of a reviewable decision. This means asking the NDIA to look at its own decision again, with a different staff member who was not involved in the original decision taking a fresh look.

You generally need to request this internal review within three months of receiving the decision, so it is important not to leave it too long. You can ask for the review by contacting the NDIA in writing or by phone, explaining which decision you disagree with and why. You do not need special legal wording; a clear explanation of what you think should change, along with any new information, is what matters.

During the internal review, the NDIA reconsiders the decision and can confirm it, change it, or set it aside. This stage resolves many concerns without needing to go any further. For the current process and how to lodge your request, ndis.gov.au and the NDIS Our Guidelines are the official sources to rely on.

Stage two - the Administrative Review Tribunal

If you have been through an internal review and you are still unhappy with the outcome, you can ask for an external review. This is handled by the Administrative Review Tribunal, known as the ART, which is independent of the NDIA. The ART replaced the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal, the AAT, in October 2024.

The Tribunal takes a fresh, independent look at the decision. It is designed to be more accessible than a court, and the process is less formal. You generally do not need a lawyer to take a matter to the ART, and many people are supported by an advocate instead.

Time limits apply at this stage as well, and the rules can change, so rather than relying on an exact number of days quoted somewhere, check the current guidance from the ART or the NDIS before you lodge. Acting promptly after your internal review outcome is the safest approach so you do not miss your window.

Free help through the NDIS Appeals Program

You do not have to navigate the external review stage on your own. The NDIS Appeals Program provides free, independent support to people who are challenging an NDIA decision at the Administrative Review Tribunal. It exists so that people are not disadvantaged simply because they lack support or representation.

Through the program you can get help from an independent advocate, and in some cases access to legal support, to help you understand the process, prepare your case and put your view forward. This support is independent of the NDIA, so the people helping you are on your side of the table.

To access this help you can contact an advocacy organisation that delivers the NDIS Appeals Program in your area. An advocate can also help at earlier stages by explaining your options, though the funded Appeals Program support is specifically for the Tribunal stage. Asking for help early gives you the best chance to prepare well.

Tips for a stronger case

Whatever stage you are at, being organised makes a real difference. Start by being clear about exactly which decision you disagree with and what outcome you are seeking. Vague dissatisfaction is harder to act on than a specific request for what you want changed.

Evidence is central. Gather current reports and letters from your treating professionals, such as your doctor, specialist or allied health professionals, that explain your disability and the support you need. Where a decision turned on a particular point, focus your evidence on that point so the reviewer can see clearly why the decision should change.

Keep good records of dates, letters and conversations, including who you spoke with and when. Stick to time limits by acting promptly. And use the help available: an independent advocate or the NDIS Appeals Program can help you understand the process and present your case. Remember you do not need a lawyer to go to the ART, though free legal support may be available in some cases.

Frequently asked questions

Can I appeal an NDIS decision I disagree with?: Yes. Many decisions the NDIA makes can be reviewed. The process has two stages: first an internal review by the NDIA, called a review of a reviewable decision, and then, if you are still unhappy, an external review by the Administrative Review Tribunal. Free independent support is available, and you can ask an advocate for help at any point.
What is an internal review?: An internal review, formally a review of a reviewable decision, is when you ask the NDIA to look at its own decision again. A different staff member who was not involved originally reconsiders it and can confirm, change or set aside the decision. You generally must request it within three months of the decision, explaining which decision you disagree with and why.
How long do I have to ask for an internal review?: You generally need to request an internal review within three months of receiving the decision, so it is important not to delay. Read your decision letter carefully and note the date it was made. If you are close to the limit or unsure, contact the NDIA or an advocate promptly. Check ndis.gov.au for the current process.
What is the Administrative Review Tribunal?: The Administrative Review Tribunal, or ART, is the independent body that handles external reviews of NDIA decisions after an internal review. It replaced the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal, the AAT, in October 2024. The ART takes a fresh, independent look at the decision. It is designed to be more accessible and less formal than a court.
How long do I have to go to the Tribunal?: Time limits apply to lodging an external review with the Administrative Review Tribunal, and the rules can change. Rather than relying on an exact number of days quoted elsewhere, check the current guidance from the ART or the NDIS before you lodge. Acting promptly after your internal review outcome is the safest way to avoid missing your window.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal at the Tribunal?: No. You generally do not need a lawyer to take a matter to the Administrative Review Tribunal. The process is designed to be accessible and less formal than a court. Many people are supported by an independent advocate instead. Through the NDIS Appeals Program, free independent support and, in some cases, legal help may be available for the Tribunal stage.
What is the NDIS Appeals Program?: The NDIS Appeals Program provides free, independent support to people challenging an NDIA decision at the Administrative Review Tribunal. It can connect you with an independent advocate and, in some cases, legal support to help you prepare and present your case. Because it is independent of the NDIA, the people helping you are on your side. Contact a local advocacy organisation to access it.

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