Functional Capacity Assessments
A clear, evidence-based picture of what someone can do, what they need help with, and what support would change that.
A functional capacity assessment (FCA) is a structured evaluation of how a person manages everyday activities — self-care, mobility, communication, social interaction, learning, running a household and getting out in the community. It is most often completed by an occupational therapist registered with AHPRA, and it produces a written report the NDIA uses when making decisions about funding, housing and supports.
Who this is for
Participants preparing for a plan reassessment who need evidence of what they actually need
People whose current plan doesn’t match their day-to-day reality
Support coordinators building a case for increased or changed supports
Anyone heading into a SIL, SDA or ILO conversation, where the functional evidence has to be strong
People applying to the NDIS for the first time (see also our access reports)
What you end up with
- A written functional capacity report covering all assessed domains
- Clear, costed recommendations linked to the supports being sought
- Plain-English explanation of the findings, so you understand your own report
- A debrief conversation before it goes anywhere
What’s involved
Referral and scoping
We confirm what the report needs to do, who’s involved, and the funding available before we book anything.
The assessment
Two to four hours in your home, sometimes split across two visits. Standardised measures where they help, and observation of real tasks in the real environment.
Gathering the rest
We speak with the people who know you — family, support workers, coordinators — and review existing medical and allied health reports.
The report
Written, checked and sent within the timeframe agreed at the start, with recommendations you can act on and the NDIA can follow.
How it’s funded
For NDIS participants an FCA is usually funded from Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living, and is charged at the occupational therapy hourly rate set in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements. Self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants can all use us.
If the NDIA has requested the assessment directly, there is nothing for you to pay. We’ll give you a written estimate of assessment, travel and report time before we start, so there are no surprises.
Why we do this in your home
An assessment done over video can tell you what someone says they can do. An assessment done in their kitchen tells you whether they can actually reach the kettle, get in and out of the shower, or manage the three steps at the front door.
That difference matters most in exactly the situations where an FCA carries the most weight — housing decisions, complex equipment, and plans that have to hold up for two years. We assess in the environment the report is about.
Common questions
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Most assessments involve two to four hours of face-to-face time, sometimes split across two visits so it isn’t exhausting. Complex situations can take longer. Report writing happens afterwards and takes additional time, which we’ll quote before we begin.
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It’s charged at the occupational therapy hourly rate under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements, covering assessment time, travel and report writing. Because assessments vary in length, we give every client a written estimate before starting rather than a flat advertised price.
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A qualified allied health practitioner trained in assessing function and writing clinical reports. In practice that’s most often an occupational therapist registered with AHPRA. All of our occupational therapists are AHPRA registered.
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No GP referral is needed for NDIS or privately funded assessments. A diagnosis is helpful context, but NDIS decisions are based on the functional impact of a disability rather than the diagnosis alone — which is exactly what this assessment describes.
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We agree a turnaround date with you at referral and put it in writing. We’d rather commit to a realistic date and meet it than promise a fast one and miss it.
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Yes. We work with self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants, and we’ll invoice in whichever way suits your arrangement.
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Any previous reports, your current plan if you have one, a list of the equipment you use, and ideally someone who knows your day-to-day routine well. Nothing needs tidying — we need to see the house as it normally is.
Related services
Talk to us about functional capacity assessments
Tell us what’s going on and we’ll tell you whether this is the right service, what it will involve, and when we could get to you.