Functional Capacity Assessment

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive evaluation of a participant’s ability to carry out everyday activities across various environments—at home, in the community, and beyond. It identifies strengths, challenges, and the level of support required to help achieve NDIS goals.

Our FCA reports provide clear, evidence-based recommendations that guide funding decisions and ensure participants can make the most of their plan.

More info

  • A Functional Capacity Assessment is ideal for:

    • New NDIS applicants requiring evidence of functional impairment

    • Existing participants needing updated evidence for plan reviews or funding adjustments

    • Privately paying individuals seeking insight into their functional needs and independence

  • You may need an FCA if:

    • Your NDIS plan specifically requests a Functional Capacity Assessment

    • You're preparing for an annual or unscheduled plan review

    • Your current supports no longer meet your needs

    • Your plan funding is depleting early and you need justification for increased supports

    • You're applying for Home and Living supports (STA, ILO, or SIL)

    • You’re unsure what supports are appropriate or how to best use your plan

  • Your Occupational Therapist will review your NDIS goals and any relevant documentation you’ve consented to share. This helps guide the assessment and ensures a holistic understanding of your situation.

  • Your FCA will take place via Google Meet in a relaxed, conversational format.

    Your Occupational Therapist will get to know you—your daily routine, support network, health background, and how you manage everyday tasks. You may be asked to describe or demonstrate how you do certain activities (like cooking, showering, or managing money) to help the OT understand your strengths and challenges.

    It’s all about building a clear picture of how you function day-to-day, so we can provide the most accurate and helpful recommendations.

  • Following your session, your OT will administer and interpret standardised assessment tools. These tools provide reliable, structured measures of specific functional domains. You may also be asked to complete brief online questionnaires.

    Your OT will then compile all findings into a clear, person-centred report with tailored recommendations for supports, therapies, or services. Follow-up sessions can be arranged if needed.