NDIS knockbacks rising: how to give your application the best chance

Thousands of Australians with disability are being rejected by the NDIS, sometimes without a clear explanation and often after months of waiting.

According to recent media reporting, rejection rates for initial NDIS applications have quietly climbed to 20 per cent, with more than 60,000 people denied access to the scheme in the last 12 months alone. Behind each statistic is someone who needed help, filled out the paperwork, and still didn’t get through the door.

The good news? A closer look at recent policy changes and advice from advocates reveals what you can do to strengthen your first-time application.

This guide is for individuals and families applying for the NDIS for the first time and looking to avoid the confusion, delays and disappointment many are facing.

First, understand the criteria

To be eligible for the NDIS, a person must:

• Be under 65 years old at the time of applying
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a protected special category visa
• Have a permanent and significant disability that affects daily functioning
• Require disability-specific support for everyday life
  

Having a diagnosis or a doctor’s letter isn’t enough on its own. The NDIA needs detailed evidence showing how your disability affects your ability to carry out daily activities such as moving around, communicating, learning, self-care or decision making.

What to do before you apply

1. Get the right forms
   Call the NDIS (1800 800 110) or your local NDIS partner (LAC or Early Childhood partner) to request the official Access Request Form. Use only the version supplied by the NDIS or its partners.

2. Ask for help
   Free support is available. Local Area Coordinators (for people aged 9 and over) and Early Childhood Partners (for children under 9) can guide you through the process, help with the paperwork and explain the types of evidence you’ll need. Advocacy groups can also assist if the system feels overwhelming.

3. Gather strong supporting evidence
   This is what most applications hinge on. You’ll need:
   • A clear diagnosis from a treating health professional
   • Confirmation that the condition is permanent or lifelong
   • Reports describing how the condition affects daily life across different areas
   • Functional assessments from allied health professionals (OTs, speech pathologists, psychologists)
   • Supporting statements from carers, teachers or support workers to describe day-to-day impact

4. If your documents don’t clearly link the disability to the support needs, your application might be declined – even when the need is obvious.

5. Be honest about your daily reality
   Many people are used to downplaying their struggles, but doing that here weakens your case. Be specific about what you or your child can’t do without support and what happens if that support isn’t provided.
   

Avoid the most common mistakes

These are the issues that trip up a lot of first-time applicants:

• Too little evidence
  A short doctor’s letter won’t do. You need detailed reports showing the impact of the disability, not just the diagnosis.

• Incomplete forms
  If sections are left blank or signatures are missing, your application can be delayed or rejected outright.

• Not showing the need for long-term support
  The NDIA needs to see that you require disability-specific supports, not just general services. Explain clearly why mainstream services (schools, hospitals, community health) aren’t enough.

• Old or vague documents
  Use reports from the past 1–2 years where possible. Avoid generic statements like “some mobility issues” – describe exactly what that means in daily life.
  

What’s changed in 2025

The rules haven’t dramatically shifted, but how they’re applied has become stricter.

• You now receive a “Notice of Impairment” if your application is successful, listing the impairment category you were assessed under.

• Assessments are becoming more thorough, especially where the permanence of a condition isn’t obvious.

• Children under 7 are more likely to be assessed under early intervention criteria, rather than permanent disability.
  

None of this means you should panic. It just means your application needs to be clear, well-supported and aligned with how the NDIA interprets the criteria.

If you’re rejected, don’t give up

If you get a rejection letter, you have three months to request an internal review. Many people are approved after submitting additional information. Free legal and advocacy support is available to help with this step.

Where to find help

• NDIS Partners – Local Area Coordinators and Early Childhood Partners can assist with applications
• Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) – to connect with local advocates
• People with Disability Australia (PWDA) – call 1800 422 015 for NDIS support
• Condition-specific groups – including Autism support, Down Syndrome Australia, Brain Injury Australia
• Community Legal Centres – offer free advice and representation if needed
  

The bottom line

Applying for the NDIS shouldn’t feel like a gamble, but for many it does. The best way to protect yourself from rejection is to treat your application like something you need to prove. That means full forms, detailed evidence and a clear explanation of what daily life really looks like with disability.

If you’re eligible, you deserve the support. And with the right preparation, you have a far better chance of getting it.