When NDIS Funding is Declined: A Guide for Families and Clinicians
- Shannyn Thatcher
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Navigating NDIS funding can be stressful especially when essential nutrition supports are declined.
You’re not alone.
Many families and clinicians face this challenge, and while it can feel overwhelming, there are practical ways to move forward with confidence.
At The RealEat, we’ve supported countless families through these moments, and we’ve pulled together insights and strategies that can help you understand your options, respond effectively, and advocate for the support you, your loved one or your participant needs.
Contents:
Why Funding Can Be Declined
Even when a child or adult has a clear need, funding for things like dietitian support, meal preparation, supplements, or tube feeding equipment can sometimes be reduced or declined.
Often, the reason given is that “mainstream supports are available” or that the request isn’t considered “reasonable and necessary” even when you know their needs go beyond what Medicare or other services can realistically provide.
This can feel confusing and frustrating, especially when you’re already doing everything you can to support your child or family member. The NDIS is a complex and constantly changing system, which can sometimes lead to cautious or inconsistent decisions where supports may be declined because a small, tiny piece of evidence is missing, even when most of the information clearly shows they are needed.
Understanding why funding was declined is the first step forward. What we’re really trying to do is understand where the NDIA feels the evidence doesn’t quite meet their criteria so we can fill in those gaps.
It’s completely okay (and often helpful) to ask for this explanation in writing. While this can feel uncomfortable, it’s an important step in gaining clarity and moving closer to getting the right supports in place.
Think of it like putting together a puzzle. When a decision is declined, it doesn’t always mean the answer is “no” it can mean a few pieces are missing. When we ask why, we find out exactly which pieces are needed so we can complete the picture.
For example, if dietitian support has been declined because it’s not clear how it will help, that gives us something specific to work with. We can then provide clearer evidence to show the benefit and better meet the criteria.
Having this information helps us understand what questions still need to be answered, so we can build a clearer picture of how a person’s disability impacts their everyday life, growth, and health and support a fair, informed decision.
Steps to Navigate Funding Challenges
A Quick Heads-Up... These steps are just the starting point. We’ve put together a practical, in-depth guide
with more examples, tips, and strategies for responding to declined funding and escalating requests safely and effectively. If you want to feel fully prepared and confident at every stage, this resource is a great place to start – linked here.
Get Clarity
Ask the NDIA to explain the decision in writing. This gives you a starting point to respond with targeted evidence. Next, provide the evidence you are missing.
Internal Review (s100)
If the funding is still declined or you don’t hear back within a timely manner, you can request an internal review. This is an opportunity for a different NDIA delegate to consider your case. Include clinical reports, functional impacts, and clearly link all recommendations to NDIS goals and the Reasonable and Necessary criteria.
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
Sometimes the next step is an external review with ART. It can feel intimidating, but it’s often where families see meaningful change. In fact, provisional data shows that around 71% of finalised ART decisions are varied or overturned, meaning many families successfully secure the supports they need. This finding comes from the Law and Justice Foundation of New South Wales (Provisional ART Data Report, 2025).
Senior Escalation
If all else fails, you can escalate to a local or federal MP, or even the NDIS Minister’s office. This step is rarely needed, but it can be helpful in persistent cases where participant safety is at risk.
Advocacy Matters.
Engaging independent advocacy services can make a huge difference. They can help frame requests in NDIA language, prepare documentation, and reduce stress for families. Advocacy is free through the National Disability Advocacy Program, and they are experienced in supporting participants through ART and other escalation pathways.
Supporting Families Through the Process
We know it’s frustrating when funding is declined. It’s stressful, time-consuming, and can feel discouraging. Early planning, clear evidence, and professional support can make all the difference.
At The RealEat, we help families:
Understand their options and next steps
Build strong, evidence-based funding requests for nutrition related requests
Navigate escalation pathways confidently
Reduce stress and keep participants safe and nourished
Final Thoughts
A declined NDIS funding request isn’t the end of the story.
Make sure you have a strong team who are ready to learn, advocate, and persist alongside you.
With guidance, advocacy, and persistence, families can often secure the supports that are essential for safe, effective nutrition care.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Even a first conversation with a dietitian or support coordinator can provide clarity, reassurance, and a clear plan for next steps.
At The RealEat, we’re here to help families move forward with confidence, warmth, and evidence-informed guidance so your loved one can thrive safely and happily.
If you’d like to start with a gentle, obligation free conversation, please feel welcome to click here or click the "book now" button at the top righthand corner of the page to get in contact with our team.
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