Apply to reinstate your case

How to apply

You must complete an 'Application to reinstate proceedings' form.

You can get a blank copy of this form from:

• your nearest NCAT registry, 
  
• Reinstatements on the NCAT website.

In your application, you must:

• explain why you didn’t attend the hearing, 
• explain why your case should be reinstated, and
  
• say whether you want your application to be heard on the papers or by oral hearing. 
  

You need to attach any supporting documents to your application. 

Using AI tools to prepare documents

Before using AI tools to prepare documents for NCAT, check NCAT’s Procedural Direction 7 - Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI). NCAT allows AI to be used for some documents, such as chronologies and indexes, but not for statements, affidavits, statutory declarations or character references.  You must not put any confidential information about your matter into an AI program.

If you are unsure or feel NCAT should let you use AI due to exceptional circumstances, get legal advice.

If you need more time 

You must apply within seven days of the date NCAT dismissed your case. After seven days, you may be able to ask for an extension of this time limit, however NCAT will not always agree.

To ask for an extension, you must complete 'Part 5. Extension of time' in the application form.

You can do this: 

• within seven days of the date of the decision, if you won’t be able to lodge your application in time, or
  
• after seven days has passed.
  

NCAT will only grant you an extension if there are special circumstances.

Lodge your application

You can lodge your completed form:

• online via NCAT Online Services
• at your nearest NCAT registry
• at any Service NSW service centre.

You must pay a fee to have your case reinstated. For the current fees, see Fees at NCAT on the NCAT website.

To pay by credit card, you must complete a 'Credit card payment authority' form and file it with your application and supporting documents. 

You can get a blank copy of this form from:

• your nearest NCAT registry, or
  
• the Forms pages on the NCAT website.
  

In some circumstances, you may be eligible to have your fee reduced or waived. For more information, see Reduced fees and fee waivers on the NCAT website. 

Before you file your completed form, you should make a copy for yourself.

If you are posting your application, send your application to the registry’s postal address, not its street address. You can find the registry’s postal address on the Contact us page on the NCAT website.

Interpreter or disability support

If NCAT lists your case for an oral hearing, you can ask for an interpreter or disability support to attend the hearing if you need it.

To do this, you must complete a 'Request for language or disability support' form.

You can get a blank copy of this form from: 

• your nearest NCAT registry, or
  
• the Forms pages on the NCAT website.
  

You should file your completed form with your application and supporting documents.

You will only need to file this form once. 

The decision

NCAT may decide your application:

• based on your documents only, without holding an oral hearing (a hearing on the papers), or
  
• by listing your case for an oral hearing. 
  

NCAT may:

• reinstate your case, or
  
• dismiss your application. 
  

If your case is reinstated, NCAT will give directions about the next steps in your original application. 

If your application is dismissed, the original orders will continue.

If NCAT decides not to reinstate your case, you may be able to appeal to the Appeal Panel.

For more information about appeals, see  Appeal to the NCAT Appeal Panel

Last updated: August 2026