What to Do If Your NDIS Application Is Rejected
A rejection isn't necessarily the end of the road. A genuine, structured review process exists, and plenty of applicants go on to succeed after using it properly.
On this page
Internal Review
This is always the required first step. A different NDIA staff member, someone who wasn't involved in the original decision, re-examines the facts and circumstances to check whether the right call was made under the law. New evidence can genuinely be added at this stage too, and it's worth doing, since it can meaningfully change the outcome.
The request needs to be made within 3 months of receiving the original decision in writing, and the review itself is generally completed within 60 days.
External Review
If the internal review outcome still doesn't seem right, an external review can be requested through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), an independent body sitting entirely outside the NDIA. This must happen within 28 days of receiving the internal review decision, though the Tribunal can sometimes allow more time depending on individual circumstances.
Worth knowing: the Administrative Review Tribunal replaced the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) on 14 October 2024. Anyone with an existing case simply carried over automatically, no action was needed on their part.
Getting Support Through the Process
Nobody has to navigate this alone. A family member, friend, support coordinator, or recovery coach can help at the internal review stage, and genuine legal or advocate support is available for external reviews too, including through the NDIS Appeals Program, which can provide someone to help explain the situation directly at the Tribunal.
One important distinction worth knowing: NDIS funding can pay for disability-related supports needed during a hearing itself, but it can't be used to pay for representation, a lawyer, support coordinator, or provider acting on someone's behalf at the Tribunal.
Reapplying From Scratch
Beyond the review process entirely, there's also no limit on how many times someone can apply to the scheme itself. If circumstances change, or stronger evidence becomes available, submitting a fresh application is always a genuine option, separate from appealing a specific decision.
Continue Learning
This guide is part of our full "Understanding the NDIS" series:
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the first step after a rejected application?
Requesting an internal review, this is required before any external review can be considered, and must happen within 3 months of the original decision.
What is the Administrative Review Tribunal?
An independent body, sitting outside the NDIA, that handles external reviews. It replaced the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) on 14 October 2024.
How long do I have to request an external review?
28 days from receiving the internal review decision, though the Tribunal can sometimes extend this depending on individual circumstances.
Can I get help paying for a lawyer at the Tribunal?
NDIS funding can't be used to pay for representation at the Tribunal. Free advocate support is available instead through the NDIS Appeals Program.
Can I just apply again instead of appealing?
Yes, there's no limit on how many times an application can be made. This is separate from appealing a specific decision, and is a genuine option if circumstances or evidence change.