If you disagree with an NDIA decision — about eligibility, plan funding, or support categories — you have the right to request a review. The process has two levels: an internal review by NDIA, and if that doesn't go your way, an external appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Many participants don't realise how often initial decisions get overturned at review. NDIA isn't always right the first time. Their planners are under pressure, work with limited information, and sometimes apply rules inconsistently. If you have a strong case and follow the process properly, your chances of changing a bad decision are real.
Types of NDIS reviews
Three different things often get called "review" in NDIS conversations:
Plan reviews. When your current plan ends and a new one is developed. Standard part of the cycle.
Internal reviews. When you formally request NDIA reconsider a decision they've made. This is your first appeal mechanism.
AAT reviews. External, independent reviews if internal review doesn't go your way.
This article focuses on internal reviews and AAT reviews — the appeal pathways for when you disagree with NDIA.
What you can request a review of
Reviewable decisions include:
Access decisions — whether you're eligible for NDIS at all.
Plan decisions — what supports were included, the amount of funding, what was excluded, what was stated.
Support decisions — including whether specific items meet reasonable and necessary, equipment requests, home modification requests.
Plan management decisions — though changing management type is usually done via plan amendment, not review.
Some procedural decisions also.
You can't request a review of things that aren't formal NDIA decisions. If your provider is doing a poor job, that's a complaint to the provider or the Commission, not an NDIA review.
Internal review — how to apply
You have three months from the date of the decision to request internal review. Mark this. Once the three months pass, your appeal options narrow significantly.
To request internal review:
You can phone NDIA on 1800 800 110 and request it verbally.
You can complete and submit a written request through the NDIA website or by post.
You can ask your LAC, support coordinator, or advocate to help you submit it.
Your written request should explain:
Which decision you're seeking review of (date, type, what was decided).
Why you disagree.
What outcome you're seeking.
Any new evidence you want considered.
Building the case
The strength of your appeal depends on the evidence. Three things matter most.
Updated functional evidence. If your initial application or planning meeting didn't have strong evidence about how your disability affects you, this is when to fix it. Get specific letters from health professionals — GPs, OTs, psychologists, specialists — that describe functional impact in concrete terms. "Cannot prepare meals safely without prompting due to working memory deficit" beats "patient struggles with cooking."
Specific cost evidence. If you're appealing a funding decision, document what the support actually costs. Quotes from providers, hourly rate evidence, comparison with similar participants.
Goals evidence. Tie your requested supports to specific NDIS goals. If your goal is increased independence in the community and you're appealing a transport decision, the connection should be obvious.
The internal reviewer is a different person from the original decision-maker, with the same evidence and any new evidence you provide. They look at it fresh.
Don't repeat the same arguments that didn't work the first time. Frame the case differently. Add what was missing. Address specific reasons given for the original decision.
Internal review timelines
NDIA aims to complete internal reviews within 60 days. In practice, they sometimes take longer, especially for complex cases or when more evidence is requested.
You can phone NDIA to check progress if you haven't heard back in 8–10 weeks.
If your internal review is rejected, you receive a written decision explaining why. The next step — if you're still disagreeing — is the AAT.
AAT review — when and how
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal is independent of NDIA. Different decision-makers. Different processes. Different powers.
You have 28 days from receiving an internal review decision to apply to the AAT. Don't miss this. Late applications can be accepted but it's not automatic.
You apply through the AAT website or by post. There's a small filing fee (currently around $1,082) but it's waived for participants who can't afford it.
The AAT process involves:
A first directions hearing where the case is set up.
A conciliation conference where NDIA tries to settle.
Sometimes additional evidence-gathering steps.
A formal hearing if the matter doesn't settle, where evidence is heard and a decision is made.
Many cases settle at conciliation. NDIA's lawyers and your representative negotiate, and a settlement is reached without a full hearing.
If you go to a full hearing, the AAT can decide afresh — they're not bound by NDIA's earlier reasoning. They have power to reverse or vary the decision.
Getting help with appeals
Appeals can be hard to do alone, especially AAT appeals. Free help is available:
Disability Discrimination Legal Service (Queensland Advocacy Inc., QAI) provides free legal advice and sometimes representation for NDIS appeals. They prioritise cases with strong merit.
Disability advocacy organisations can provide support and case management. ADA Australia is the main NDIS advocacy provider in Queensland.
Your support coordinator should help you with internal reviews if appropriate. AAT reviews are usually beyond support coordination scope.
Lawyers can be hired but most participants can't afford this. Some lawyers do NDIS appeals on no-win-no-fee bases.
Don't try to do AAT alone if you have any choice. Even self-represented at AAT, having someone help you prepare significantly improves outcomes.
Common outcomes
Internal reviews:
Roughly half of internal reviews result in some change to the decision. The other half maintain the original.
Outcomes vary by category. Eligibility decisions overturned at review are less common than funding decisions overturned.
Strong evidence is the biggest predictor. Reviews that bring substantial new evidence are more successful than those that just re-argue.
AAT reviews:
Most AAT cases settle at conciliation, often with a result more favourable than the internal review.
Cases that go to full hearing have varying outcomes. Strong cases with good representation succeed more often than not.
Cases without representation are harder for participants to win, especially complex ones.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the whole process take?
Internal review: 60 days target, sometimes longer. AAT: anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on complexity.
Do I need a lawyer?
For internal review, no. For AAT, ideally yes if it's complex or if NDIA has lawyers. Free legal help is available.
What if I miss the deadlines?
Three months for internal review, 28 days for AAT after that. Late applications can be accepted in some cases but it's discretionary.
Can my provider help me appeal?
Some providers and most support coordinators help with internal reviews. AAT representation is usually beyond their scope.
If you're disagreeing with an NDIA decision and not sure how to proceed, talk to your support coordinator first. Seareal's coordinators in Queensland can help you assess whether the case is worth pursuing and how to build it.