How to Request an NDIS Decision Review : Step-by-Step Guide

How to Request an NDIS Decision Review

If​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you receive a decision from the NDIS that is not to your benefit and it simply does not make any sense, you are probably feeling angry and confused. If your application has been rejected, your funding has been reduced, or your support request has not been approved, it is still very important to know that you have the right to ask for a review. Understanding how to request an NDIS decision review gives you the opportunity to have your file looked at again so that your needs can be properly evaluated.

This guide covers the NDIS decision review stages, the time when you can make such a request and the steps involved, so you can continue with ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌assurance.

What Is an NDIS Decision Review?

An​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ NDIS decision review is essentially a formal procedure where the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) goes through its decision again. It checks if the first decision was right, based on the facts.

If you wish to, you may ask for a review of these decisions that you do not agree with:

• Being found not eligible for the NDIS
• The amount of funding in your plan
• The types of supports approved or declined
• Changes made during a plan reassessment

The main point behind the review is to ensure that decisions are just, precise, and supported by the correct ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌proof.

You can learn more about the NDIS decision review process directly from the NDIS, including what decisions can be reviewed and how the process works.

Reasons You Might Request a Review

People request NDIS decision reviews for many different reasons. Common situations include:

• Your NDIS access request was declined
• Your plan does not include supports you believe are reasonable and necessary
• Your funding does not reflect your current support needs
• Important medical or allied health evidence was not considered
• Your circumstances have changed and were not properly assessed

If something doesn’t feel right about your decision, it’s worth understanding how to request an NDIS decision review and what options are available.

If you are unsure whether your situation meets the access requirements, our page on what if I am not eligible for the NDIS explains the options available and the next steps you can take.

Internal vs External Reviews: What’s the Difference?

There are two main types of NDIS decision reviews.

Internal Review

Essentially​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ an internal review is the primary step. A different NDIA staff member who was not part of the initial decision, examines your case afresh. They look again at the decision by using the information that has been given and also consider any new evidence that you may ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌provide.
Most review requests start here.

External Review (Administrative Appeals Tribunal – AAT)

If​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you are not pleased with the outcome of the internal review, you could possibly request an external review with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). AAT is an independent body that reconsiders the decisions of the NDIA. ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌

Such external reviews have a stricter procedure and could require the presence of the parties involved, therefore, most of the people who decide to go on with it, also ask for guidance or ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌assistance.

If you’re not satisfied with the internal review outcome, you may apply for an external review through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal NDIS review , which is an independent body that reassesses NDIA decisions.

How to Request an NDIS Decision Review

If​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you are thinking of NDIS decision review option, it is simple enough to understand what you need to do when you divide the whole process into several steps.

Step 1: Check the Timeframe

Usually,​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you have a period of 3 months starting from the day the decision was communicated to you to request an internal review. Hence, this time frame is really a very important one, and you should definitely not keep it to ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌yourself.

Step 2: Submit Your Review Request

Requesting​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ a review can be done by calling NDIS, filling out a form, or writing a letter/email. In each instance, it is very important that you state the incorrect decision and the reason for ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌it.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Evidence

Powerful evidence can really be the turning point. Examples of updated evidence documentation might be medical reports, allied health assessments, functional capacity reports, and also letters which describe the impact of the decision on your daily life.

Step 4: Wait for the Outcome

After you have sent your application, the NDIA will consider your appeal and get back to you with the result in writing. They may also call you if they want more ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌information.

The NDIS outlines clear NDIS internal review timeframes , which explain how long reviews may take and what to expect after submitting your request.

For a broader understanding of eligibility, funding, plans and local supports, explore our information on choosing the right NDIS provider in Dubbo.

NDIS Review Timeframes and Required Documents

How Long Does a Review Take?

Review timeframes can vary. Some internal reviews are completed within a few weeks, while others may take longer depending on complexity and evidence.

External reviews through the AAT generally take more time due to their formal process.

Documents That Can Help

Providing clear, detailed documentation improves your chances of a fair outcome. Helpful documents include:

• GP or specialist letters
• Occupational therapy reports
• Psychology or physiotherapy assessments
• Statements explaining changes in your condition or support needs

Support Available from CTJ Healthcare

At CTJ Healthcare, we understand that navigating reviews can feel overwhelming. Our team supports individuals aged 7- 65 years by helping them understand their options and the steps involved in review processes.

We can assist by:

• Explaining review outcomes and next steps
• Helping you understand what evidence may be needed
• Providing ongoing disability and community support services
• Supporting you while you wait for review decisions

Though your NDIS plan might be in a review process or the funding situation is not clear, it will still be very helpful to have the right advice and support from your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌community.

How to Request an NDIS Decision Review: Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Understanding how to request an NDIS decision review gives you back control in situations where a decision has not fully considered your needs. A review exists to make sure outcomes are fair and accurate, and many people are able to have decisions changed by providing the right information and receiving the right support.

If you’re unsure how to interpret your NDIS decision or need help understanding your options, CTJ Healthcare is here to offer clear guidance and caring support from your local community.