Getting a decision letter from the NDIA that does not match what you expected can be genuinely disheartening, but it is rarely the end of the road. An NDIS internal review gives you a formal way to have that decision looked at again, by someone who was not involved the first time around, using the same facts and any new information you choose to add.

This guide walks through the deadline you need to know, how to actually write a strong request, what evidence tends to help, and what happens if you still disagree afterwards. None of this requires legal training, just a clear understanding of what the NDIA is actually looking for.

What Is an NDIS Internal Review?

An NDIS internal review is a formal request for a different NDIA staff member to reassess a decision you disagree with, whether that relates to access, your plan, or the funded supports within it. The person reviewing your case was not involved in making the original decision, and they will look at the facts, the law, and any new information you provide.

Importantly, the original decision stays in place while your review is being considered, so nothing changes automatically just because you have lodged a request. This is worth knowing upfront, since it can otherwise feel like the process is taking effect immediately when it is not.

The Three Month Deadline to Request Review

The three-month deadline to request review is one of the most important details to get right. You generally have three months from the date you receive the written decision to lodge your internal review request, and there is no late exemption available if you miss it.

If this deadline passes, your only remaining option is usually to request a plan reassessment instead, which is a different process and does not carry the same legal weight as a formal review. Marking this deadline as soon as a decision letter arrives is a simple habit that helps you avoid losing this option altogether, particularly during a period that can already feel overwhelming.

NDIS Review of a Decision Timeframe: What Happens After You Apply

The NDIS review timeframe is generally 60 days from the day after your request is received, though more complex cases can take longer. You will be contacted about how the review will proceed, and asked for any further information if needed.

It is worth noting that 60-day  aim is a service commitment rather than a strict legal deadline, so timeframes can vary, particularly for more complex reviews or where additional evidence needs to be gathered. If your situation changes while you are waiting, such as your support needs increasing, it is worth letting the NDIA know directly rather than waiting for the review to conclude.

Writing an Internal Review Request: What to Include

Writing an internal review request does not need to be lengthy, but it does need to be clear. Reference the specific decision and the date of the letter, explain exactly why you disagree with it, and state what outcome you were expecting instead.

You can submit your request online through your myplace portal, by phone, or in writing by email or post. Whichever method you choose, include your full name and NDIS number, and be specific about which decision you are asking to be reviewed, since a vague request makes it harder for the reviewer to address your actual concerns. 

You can also nominate a support coordinator, family member, or advocate to lodge the request on your behalf, provided you give them permission. This can take real pressure off during what is often an already stressful time.

Our NDIS resources page has links to the relevant forms if you would like to use one as a starting point.

Evidence to Support a Review: What Actually Helps

Evidence to support a review is often what actually changes an outcome, more than how the request itself is worded. Reports or letters from a GP, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, physiotherapist, or psychologist that speak to your day-to-day needs tend to carry real weight.

Letters from support workers, therapy assistants, or teachers can also help build a fuller picture, particularly where a decision affects a child. A carer’s statement describing how a disability affects daily life, and why a specific support is genuinely needed, rounds this out well. New evidence does not need to be extensive, but it does need to speak directly to the part of the decision you are disputing.

If you already provided strong evidence with your original application, it is worth highlighting that again rather than assuming the reviewer will automatically revisit everything on file.

If You Still Disagree: The Administrative Review Tribunal NDIS Appeal

If the internal review outcome still does not sit right, an Administrative Review Tribunal NDIS appeal is the next step available to you. You generally have 28 days from receiving your internal review decision to lodge this external review, and there is no application fee.

Our full guide to appealing an NDIS decision covers the Tribunal process in more detail, including what to expect if your matter goes that far and how hearings typically work.

How Hyre Support Coordination Can Help

At Hyre Support Coordination, we regularly help participants prepare a clear, well-evidenced internal review request, from gathering the right reports to making sure the actual letter addresses what the decision maker needs to see. We also help track deadlines, so nothing important slips through simply because life got busy.

If you have received a decision you want to challenge and are not sure where to start, contact our support coordination team today.