Managing and reviewing a plan
Requesting a Review of a Decision
You may ask the NDIA to reconsider certain decisions if you believe the wrong one was made.
Start with an internal review
A different NDIA decision maker reconsiders the decision.
Time limits apply
Generally three months from receiving the written decision.
External review comes later
You may apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal afterwards.
Plain language guide
The detail, broken into useful sections.
Read the sections that matter to you. The content has not been shortened or changed, only organised so it is easier to scan.
Two stages
Internal review by the NDIA, then external review by the Administrative Review Tribunal. You must usually complete the internal review first.
What can be reviewed
- That you are not eligible, or no longer eligible
- Approving your plan and its funded supports
- Not including a requested support
- Not completing a plan reassessment or variation
- A decision to vary your plan
- Decisions about funding management
- Decisions about a nominee or child representative
Not every action or communication is a reviewable decision. Contact the NDIA if you are unsure.
The three month limit
You generally have three months from receiving the written decision. Act promptly even if you are still gathering evidence — ask whether further evidence can be supplied after lodging.
What to include
Which decision, its date, what outcome you expected, why you believe it was incorrect, which facts or evidence should be reconsidered, whether you are supplying new evidence, how the decision affects you, and what outcome you want. Keep it focused on the decision, the evidence and the funding criteria.
Ask for reasons
Before or during the review you can ask the NDIA to explain the decision, provide written reasons, explain which evidence was considered, and explain how the rules were applied. That usually makes for a much more focused request.
External review
If you disagree with the internal review outcome, you may apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal — generally within 28 days, though they may allow more time. You can get help from an advocate, a legal service, the NDIS Appeals Program, or a trusted person. NDIS funding cannot generally pay someone to represent you there.
A review is not a complaint
A review challenges a decision. A complaint concerns poor communication, delays, staff conduct, how a process was handled, or provider quality and safety. You may need both — and complaining does not pause the review time limit.
SCL Support Services
What SCL can help with
SCL may:
- Provide records relating to SCL services
- Provide copies of Service Agreements and support schedules
- Provide relevant progress information
- Supply a quote for proposed SCL services
- Explain SCL invoices and records
- Work with your advocate or representative with your consent
SCL cannot decide the review outcome, provide legal advice, or guarantee the original decision will change.
Official information
This page explains things in plain language. The NDIS is the authority on the rules, and they change. Check the official pages for the current position.
Last checked: August 2026
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