How do I ask for a review of an NDIS decision?
This is national law, so it applies across Australia. Some services listed here are in Victoria. For services in your state or territory, see Help in other states.
Last checked: 1 November 2026
The short answer
If you disagree with an NDIA decision, you can ask the NDIA to look at it again. This is called an internal review. You must ask within 3 months of getting the decision letter, and you can ask in writing or by phone. Someone who was not involved in the first decision must review it, usually within 90 days.
Key dates and time limits
- Ask for an internal review within 3 months of getting the NDIA's decision letter.
- The NDIA must decide the internal review within 90 days of getting your request, unless NDIS rules set a different time.
- After the internal review decision, you have 28 days to apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Step by step
Check the decision can be reviewed
The law lists the decisions you can ask the NDIA to review. They include refusing access, approving the supports in your plan, varying or refusing to vary your plan, refusing to reassess your plan, revoking your participant status and appointing a nominee. Your decision letter should say whether you can ask for a review.
Get the reasons
The NDIA must give you written reasons for a reviewable decision. Read them closely and note exactly which supports or findings you disagree with.
Ask within 3 months
You can send a written request or ask by phone or in person. Victoria Legal Aid says you can use the NDIA's 'application for review of a reviewable decision', email feedback@ndis.gov.au or post to PO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601. If you ask by phone, the NDIA must make a written record, so ask for a reference number.
Say why the decision is wrong
Say clearly that you want an internal review. Explain what you disagree with and what decision you want instead. Attach new evidence, such as reports from your doctor, therapist or support worker that link each support you need to your disability.
Wait for the review decision
A person who was not part of the first decision must review it. They can confirm it, change it or replace it with a new decision. The first decision keeps working while the review happens, so keep using your current plan.
If the NDIA runs out of time
If the NDIA has not decided your internal review within 90 days, you can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal without waiting. Send a copy of your internal review request with your application.
Who can help
Disability Advocacy Finder (Ask Izzy)
Search by postcode for a free disability advocate, including NDIS Appeals advocates.
askizzy.org.au/disability-advocacy-finder ↗Victoria Legal Aid, Legal Help
Free legal information and referral. If your NDIS case is at the Tribunal, you may get a free one hour advice session, and help with funding for a lawyer through the NDIS Appeals program.
NDIS Appeals Program
Free advocates who help with Tribunal reviews of NDIA decisions. The page lists every Victorian provider and their phone number.
health.gov.au/our-work/ndis-appeals-program ↗AED Legal Centre
Free advice and representation for eligible Victorians who want to challenge an NDIS decision.
Forms and the law
Victoria Legal Aid: your review rights and the NDIS
How to ask for an internal review and then go to the Tribunal.
legalaid.vic.gov.au/your-review-rights-and-national-disability-insurance-scheme ↗Administrative Review Tribunal: NDIS
What happens if you still disagree after the internal review.
art.gov.au/applying-review/national-disability-insurance-scheme ↗National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth), sections 99 and 100 (reviewable decisions and internal review)
legislation.gov.au/C2013A00020/latest/text ↗Where this information comes from
These are public sources we used to write this guide. They are general information, not legal advice about your situation.
- Federal Register of Legislation National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth)
- Federal Register of Legislation National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth)
- Victoria Legal Aid your review rights and the NDIS
- Administrative Review Tribunal NDIS
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Ndis appeals program
- Ask Izzy Disability advocacy finder
- Victoria Legal Aid Contact us
- AED Legal Centre Ndis assistance
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