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.
What you need to know
If you disagree with an NDIA decision, you can ask for an internal review and then go to the Administrative Review Tribunal. People with disability and their carers are a priority group for us. Your first appointment with us is free if you are eligible.
- You must be under 65 when you apply, and meet the residence rules and the disability or early intervention requirements.
- You have 3 months from getting an NDIA decision to ask for an internal review.
- You have 28 days from the internal review decision to apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal. There is no fee.
- You can ask for a plan variation at any time. You can ask for a reassessment only after a significant change in your support needs.
- If the NDIA misses its deadline on some requests, it is treated as saying no and the decision is reviewed automatically.
- Free NDIS Appeals advocates can help once you have had an internal review decision.
- Complaints about providers go to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544.
How we can help
- Advice on NDIS access decisions and whether you meet the requirements.
- Advice on plan decisions, variations and reassessments.
- Help preparing internal review requests and the evidence to support them.
- Help asking your treating professionals for reports that answer the NDIA's reasons.
- Help preparing for case conferences and hearings at the Administrative Review Tribunal.
- Referrals to free NDIS Appeals advocates and specialist disability legal services.
- Letters to the NDIA and help with complaints about NDIS providers.
- Representation at the Tribunal where we have capacity.
Guides
- How do I apply for the NDIS?To get into the NDIS you must be under 65 when you apply, live in Australia and be a citizen, permanent visa holder or protected special category visa holder.
- How do I ask for a review of an NDIS decision?If you disagree with an NDIA decision, you can ask the NDIA to look at it again.
- How do I take an NDIS decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal?If you still disagree after the NDIA's internal review, you can ask the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) to review the decision.
- How do I change my NDIS plan?There are two ways to change an NDIS plan.
- How do I complain about an NDIS provider?If an NDIS provider or support worker gives you unsafe, poor or missing supports, or treats you badly, you can tell the provider and you can report it to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Need help with this?
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Where this information comes from
These are public sources we used to write the guides on this page. 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)
- Administrative Review Tribunal National disability insurance scheme
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Ndis appeals program
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Report
- Victoria Legal Aid National disability insurance scheme
- Victoria Legal Aid Your review rights and national disability
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Ndis amendment securing the ndis for