Disability advocates provide individual advocacy, guidance and support to people with a disability, their carers and families. They can assist by:

  • Supporting you with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) process – including testing eligibility, completion of forms, changes to circumstance, appeals and liaising with your NDIS Planner
  • Attending meetings, making calls, writing letters and completing forms for you in any area
  • Liaising with Centrelink,supporting applications for payments, helping with appeals
  • Making and supporting your applications for orders at the State Administrative Tribunal
  • Providing information about and referrals to community organisations/supports
  • Applying for grants to access equipment

Midlas Disability Advocates can also assist when you disagree with a decision that Centrelink, State Administative Tribunal or the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has made. This decision can relate to your application or funding.

If you have gone through an Internal Review with NDIA and still believe the decision was not fair, you can appeal that decision. It is the role of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to make the decision about the things you want reviewed. They are independent and separate from the NDIA. Assistance from Midlas can include:

  • Helping you fill out the form to apply for an appeal of your NDIA decision
  • Referral to Legal Aid assistance if eligible
  • Support during meetings to ensure that your voice is heard

What to bring to your appointment
Your NDIS Plan and any correspondence relating to NDIS (if applicable)
Any correspondence from Centrelink (if applicable)
Guardianship/administration orders
Any other information or documentation related to your issue

Case Studies

Midlas Publications

Youth With Disability Forum Report 2017

Useful Forms

Disability Support Pension Claim

NDIS Application Review Form

Useful Links

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Disability Services Commission

Health and Disability Service Complaints Office

Office of Public Advocate

State Administrative Tribunal

NDIS Appeals

NDIS Appeals Information

National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP)

NDAP Service Providers Search
Search for advocacy outside Midlas service area

Appeals through Administrative Appeals Tribunal

Complaints Resolution and Referral Service
For users of Australian Government Disability Employment Services; Australian Disability Enterprises; and/or Disability Advocacy Services

The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline

No Silly Questions Booklet
A practical guide for families living with a child with chronic illness, disability, mental illness or a life threatening condition