How to File an NCAT Application in New South Wales

Last updated 2 October 2026 · Reviewed by the Claim Done team · Not legal advice

To file an NCAT application in New South Wales, lodge it online through NCAT Online Services (you need a NSW Online Registry account and 100 points of ID) or lodge the PDF form “Consumer claim application about goods and services” at an NCAT registry, and pay NCAT’s fee, which as at 1 July 2026 is $64 for a consumer claim up to $10,000 (or no amount), $133 from $10,001 to $30,000 and $344 over $30,000 at the standard rate. NCAT hears consumer claims up to $100,000, and lists them first for conciliation and hearing on the same day.

Get your NCAT application drafted — $97

What NCAT’s Consumer and Commercial Division hears

• Consumer claims about goods and services, up to $100,000, made within 3 years of when the problem arose, for goods or services supplied within the last 10 years (NCAT: consumer claims)
• Residential tenancy disputes, also in the Consumer and Commercial Division (NCAT: tenancy)
• Dividing fence disputes, where you must serve a Fencing Notice at least 1 month before applying (NCAT: dividing fences)

Owed money by another business? A general debt, such as an unpaid invoice between businesses, is not a consumer claim. It goes to the Local Court of New South Wales: the Small Claims Division up to $20,000 and the General Division over $20,000 up to $100,000 (Local Court: civil jurisdiction). See NCAT or Local Court for an unpaid customer.

How to file your NCAT application, step by step

1. Check NCAT is the right place and that you are within the time limit (above).
2. Gather your evidence: the purchase agreement or invoice, receipts, quotes, photos, messages and any witness statements. Our NCAT evidence checklist shows how to organise it.
3. Identify the other party correctly: use their correct name or legal entity and address. For a business or company, NCAT asks you to search ASIC’s registers and attach the search.
4. Complete the application, online or on the PDF form. Our guide to which NCAT application form to use covers both routes (NCAT: apply online).
5. Pay the fee: $64, $133 or $344 at the standard rate depending on the amount claimed; corporations pay $128, $266 or $688; a reduced fee is available to eligible applicants. Full details: NCAT fees for 2026.
6. The respondent is notified: NCAT says either NCAT or the applicant sends the respondent a copy of the application, and NCAT sends the notice of listing. Check your own notice for what you need to do.
7. Conciliation and hearing: the first listing. If the case is not resolved, it may be listed for a contested hearing on a later date.

Can you have a lawyer at NCAT?

Most people represent themselves. In the Consumer and Commercial Division a lawyer or agent needs the Tribunal’s permission (leave), which NCAT’s guideline says is usually granted where the claim is over $30,000, the other side is legally represented, or the issues are complex (NCAT representation guideline).

After the hearing

An unpaid money order can be enforced by registering a certified copy with the Local Court (District Court for amounts over $100,000). Appeals go to the NCAT Appeal Panel within 28 days (14 days in residential proceedings), with a standard fee of $540. See how to appeal an NCAT decision.

How Claim Done helps

Claim Done drafts your NCAT application from your answers and evidence for $97: your claim set out to match NCAT’s consumer claim form, and a witness statement outline you complete in your own words, as NCAT Procedural Direction 7 requires. You read and approve it, then you lodge it and pay NCAT’s fee yourself. See the NCAT application service.

Any witness statement must be in your own words. NCAT Procedural Direction 7 says generative AI must not be used in generating the content of statements or other evidence, or in rephrasing a witness’s evidence.

Not ready to apply? A letter of demand ($49) sets out what you are owed and gives a deadline: start a Letter of Demand. Received an application yourself? See how to defend an NCAT application.

Frequently asked questions

Can I file an NCAT application online?

Yes. NCAT Online Services is available for all Consumer and Commercial Division case types. You need a NSW Online Registry account, which requires 100 points of ID.

What is the NCAT limit for a consumer claim?

$100,000. General debts between businesses go to the Local Court instead.

How much does it cost to file with NCAT?

As at 1 July 2026, the standard fee for a consumer claim is $64 up to $10,000 (or no amount), $133 from $10,001 to $30,000 and $344 over $30,000.

Start your NCAT application — $97

Facts checked against NCAT and NSW Local Court pages on 27 September 2026. Claim Done is not a law firm and does not lodge, file or serve documents for you.