Most Common Reasons NDIS Plans Get Rejected
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When someone has their NDIS plan rejected, it can feel confusing and discouraging. Many people assume the NDIS simply said “no” without explanation, but in most cases, rejections happen because certain requirements weren’t fully met. Understanding these reasons makes it easier to prepare stronger evidence and avoid the same problems in the future.
If you’re new to the NDIS or want help understanding the process, our FAQ page and About Us page provide simple explanations of how we support participants across the Pilbara.
1. Lack of Quality Evidence
One of the most common reasons an NDIS plan is rejected is the lack of strong evidence. The NDIA relies heavily on documentation to decide if someone meets the criteria.
Problems That Lead to Rejection
• Missing clinical or allied health reports
• No functional assessment from an OT or psychologist
• Reports that describe a diagnosis but not daily challenges
• Very short or generalised medical letters
Why Evidence Matters
The NDIS needs to understand how your condition affects your daily life. Without a clear picture, they cannot approve the supports.
You can learn more about the NDIS access requirements
2. Reports Not Linking to Functional Impairment
A diagnosis alone is not enough. Many people get their NDIS plan rejected because medical papers don’t describe how the disability affects mobility, communication, self-care, memory, or behaviour.
Good vs Poor Evidence
| Type of Evidence | Why It Helps or Fails |
|---|---|
| Only a diagnosis letter | Not enough to show functional impact |
| OT functional assessment | Shows daily struggles clearly |
| Psych assessment | Helps explain cognitive or behavioural changes |
| GP note saying “needs help” | Too general and usually rejected |
The NDIS wants to see:
• what the person cannot do on their own
• what support is required
• how often assistance is needed
• what happens without support
Without this detail, the NDIA cannot approve funding.
3. Goals Not Connected to Requested Supports
Another reason people see their NDIS plan rejected is unclear or unrelated goals. Goals guide the supports funded by the NDIS, so they must link logically to your needs.
Examples
• Requesting community access funding without a goal about community involvement
• Asking for therapy when no therapy-related goals are included
• Asking for more independence but not explaining the tasks you struggle with
Goals do not need to be complicated they simply need to be relevant.
4. Supports Not Considered “Reasonable and Necessary”
The NDIS approves supports that are reasonable, necessary, and directly tied to disability. If a request does not meet these rules, it is likely to be rejected.
Common Examples of Rejected Supports
• Gym memberships without a therapy plan
• Personal training without clinical evidence
• Equipment not trialled or recommended by a therapist
• Supports that are considered day-to-day living costs
The NDIS explains its “reasonable and necessary” support rules in more detail on the NDIS Providers, which outlines how funding decisions are made.
5. Applying Under the Wrong Category
Sometimes participants apply correctly but under the wrong category. This leads to delays or the request being declined entirely.
Common Category Mistakes
• Asking for Short-Term Accommodation under Capacity Building
• Requesting high-cost assistive technology without trials
• Listing therapy hours under Core supports
• Requesting personal care hours under social participation
These errors can easily lead to an NDIS plan rejected outcome, even when the support itself is reasonable.
6. Incomplete or Incorrect Application Forms
A surprisingly high number of applications are rejected simply because information is missing.
Common Issues
• Missing personal details
• Outdated medical reports
• Missing signatures
• Incorrect documentation
• No consent for sharing information
It’s important to double-check everything before submitting.
7. No Demonstration of Long-Term or Permanent Disability
The NDIS requires proof that a person has a permanent disability with long-term functional impacts. Temporary injuries or short-term conditions often get declined.
Examples of Insufficient Evidence
• Conditions expected to improve within months
• Injuries still under medical investigation
• Lack of long-term treatment history
• No specialist reports confirming permanency
When permanency is unclear, the NDIA will almost always decline the application.
8. How to Fix a Rejected NDIS Application
Having your NDIS plan rejected does not mean you are out of options. There are clear steps you can take to submit a stronger case.
Ways to Move Forward
• Request a review of the decision
• Gather stronger OT, psych, or GP reports
• Write a clear daily impact statement
• Provide logs of support needs
• Add specific goals that link to the support you’re asking for
• Seek help from a support coordinator
You may also seek help from national advocacy organisations such as People with Disability Australia (PWDA), which supports individuals in navigating NDIS decisions and appeals.
For a broader view of how registered providers support participants, you may find this Registered NDIS Provider in Western Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was my NDIS plan rejected even though I provided a diagnosis?
A diagnosis alone is not enough for NDIS access, which is why many people still see their NDIS plan rejected. The NDIS needs clear evidence showing how your condition affects daily living, mobility, communication, self-care, or social functioning. Functional assessments from an OT, psychologist, or other allied health professionals carry far more weight than a diagnosis letter alone.
2. What should I do after my NDIS plan is rejected?
If your NDIS plan rejected, you can request a review, gather stronger evidence, or seek support from a provider or advocate. The best next step is to collect detailed functional reports, daily impact examples, and updated medical letters that clearly show your long-term disability and support needs. Many participants receive approval after submitting more complete evidence.
Conclusion: What to Do When Your NDIS Plan Rejected
Although it is upsetting to receive an NDIS plan rejected, your needs are still legitimate. Evidence, ambiguous objectives, inaccurate classifications, or missing data are typically the root of the problem. Many participants are successful in their second application or review if they provide adequate documentation and a more detailed explanation of their daily struggles.
The STARR Care team is available to assist you at every stage, whether you need assistance with evidence preparation, comprehending your plan, or directing the review process.
CONTACT US
STARR Care
Email us at : info@starrcare.com.au
Visit us : Unit 3, Brand Street, South Hedland WA 6722
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