If you're an NDIS participant or supporting someone who is, understanding what supports are needed and how to access appropriate funding can feel overwhelming in the current climate.
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) can help make this process clearer by providing a detailed picture of how your disability affects your everyday life, your independence and the support you need to achieve your goals.
If you're preparing for an NDIS plan reassessment, requesting additional support or exploring new living arrangements, an FCA can provide valuable evidence to support your funding requests.
In this guide, we'll explain what a Functional Capacity Assessment involves, who may benefit from one, how the assessment process works and what to expect when completing an FCA with a specialist group such as OT Assessed.
What Is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)?
A Functional Capacity Assessment is a comprehensive assessment that examines how a person's disability affects their ability to complete everyday activities and participate in daily life.
When conducted by an occupational therapist (OT), an FCA considers your functional abilities, level of independence, personal goals and the assistance you may require.
Rather than focusing solely on your diagnosis, an FCA looks at how your disability affects your day-to-day functioning.
The assessment may explore six key areas recognised by the NDIS:
Mobility: Moving around your home and community.
Self-care: Showering, dressing, eating and personal hygiene.
Self-management: Managing daily routines, appointments, finances and responsibilities.
Communication: Understanding and communicating information.
Social interaction: Building relationships and participating in social activities.
Learning: Understanding, remembering and applying new information.
Your occupational therapist uses this information to prepare a report outlining your functional capacity, support needs and recommendations.
An FCA can provide important supporting evidence when the NDIS considers what disability-related supports should be included in your plan.
Who Needs a Functional Capacity Assessment?
Functional Capacity Assessments are commonly completed for NDIS participants who need a clearer understanding of their support requirements or updated evidence for funding decisions.
You may benefit from an FCA if you're:
Preparing for an NDIS plan reassessment.
Concerned that your current plan doesn't adequately reflect your needs.
Requesting additional or different disability supports.
Experiencing changes in your disability-related support needs.
Preparing a change of circumstances request.
Exploring more independent living arrangements.
Applying for Home and Living supports such as SIL, ILO or SDA.
Asked by the NDIA to provide updated functional capacity evidence.
An FCA may also be useful when your existing assessments are outdated or no longer accurately represent your circumstances.
Not every NDIS participant needs an FCA for every plan reassessment. However, having current and detailed evidence can be particularly valuable when your support needs have changed.
Am I Eligible for an FCA Through the NDIS?
If you're an NDIS participant, you may be able to use funding from your plan to complete a Functional Capacity Assessment.
FCA services are commonly funded through Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, provided the assessment meets the applicable NDIS funding requirements and sufficient funding is available.
Before booking, it's important to check whether your plan includes appropriate funding and whether the assessment can be claimed under your circumstances.
You can do this by:
Reviewing your current NDIS plan and available funding.
Speaking with your support coordinator or NDIS contact.
Contacting OT Assessed to discuss your assessment requirements.
If you're unsure whether you have sufficient funding, the OT Assessed team can help explain the assessment process and discuss the next steps.
When Is a Functional Capacity Assessment Recommended?
There are several circumstances where an updated FCA may be particularly useful.
Your Current NDIS Plan Doesn't Reflect Your Needs
Sometimes a participant's existing funding doesn't accurately reflect the assistance they require.
For example, you may need additional help with personal care, household activities or community participation that wasn't fully considered during your previous assessment.
An FCA can document these needs and provide supporting evidence for the NDIA to consider.
You're Preparing for an NDIS Plan Reassessment
If your plan is approaching reassessment, it may be a good opportunity to review whether your current supports remain appropriate.
An updated FCA can help explain your present functional capacity, the supports you're using and any additional assistance you may require.
You're Using Your Funding Faster Than Expected
If your NDIS funding is being used more quickly than anticipated, this may indicate that your current plan doesn't fully account for your support needs.
An FCA can help identify the reasons behind this and assess whether different or additional supports may be appropriate.
Your Circumstances or Support Needs Have Changed
Changes in health, disability-related functioning, living arrangements or informal support can affect the assistance you require.
For example, a family member who previously provided regular care may no longer be able to do so.
An FCA can document how these changes affect your daily life and provide evidence to support a request for changes to your plan.
You're Exploring Different Living Arrangements
If you're considering moving out of the family home, living more independently or accessing specialised accommodation, you may need a Home and Living Assessment.
This builds on a standard FCA by examining your accommodation requirements and the support you need to live safely.
What Happens During a Functional Capacity Assessment?
At OT Assessed, the FCA process is designed to be straightforward, with assessments delivered through telehealth across Australia.
Here's what you can expect.
Step 1: Submit Your Referral
The process begins by completing the OT Assessed referral form.
This allows the team to understand your circumstances, the type of assessment required and any relevant timeframes.
Step 2: Review and Sign Your Service Agreement
The team will contact you and provide a service agreement outlining the assessment arrangements.
Once the agreement is signed, an occupational therapist will contact you directly to organise your appointment.
Step 3: Prepare for Your Assessment
Before your appointment, your OT may send questionnaires and request relevant supporting documents.
These could include previous therapy reports, medical information, NDIS plans or other assessments.
Reviewing this information helps your occupational therapist understand your background and prepare for the assessment.
Step 4: Complete Your FCA Appointment
During the appointment, your OT will discuss your daily activities, functional abilities, challenges, support arrangements and goals.
They may also observe how you complete certain activities and use standardised assessment tools where clinically appropriate.
With your consent, the OT may speak with family members, carers or other professionals involved in your support to gain a more complete understanding of your needs.
Step 5: Your OT Prepares the Report
Following the assessment, your occupational therapist reviews the information collected and completes their clinical analysis.
They then prepare a comprehensive report outlining your functional capacity, identified support needs and relevant recommendations.
These recommendations may cover a range of NDIS supports, not just occupational therapy.
Step 6: Review and Finalise Your Report
OT Assessed provides a draft report for review before finalisation.
This gives you an opportunity to identify any factual information requiring clarification.
Where necessary, your OT may arrange a follow-up appointment or make appropriate revisions before the report is completed.
How Long Does an FCA Take?
With OT Assessed, the telehealth assessment appointment typically takes one to two hours, depending on your circumstances and the complexity of your needs.
However, the appointment is only one part of the process.
Your occupational therapist also needs time to review supporting documentation, complete clinical assessments, analyse findings and prepare your report.
OT Assessed aims to provide completed FCA reports within approximately two weeks, with fast-track report options available when required.
Additional appointments or information may occasionally be necessary, particularly for participants with more complex support requirements.
If you have an upcoming NDIS reassessment or funding deadline, it's worth discussing your timeframe when making your enquiry.
Can a Functional Capacity Assessment Be Completed Through Telehealth?
Yes. Functional Capacity Assessments can be completed through telehealth when this approach is clinically appropriate for the participant.
OT Assessed provides telehealth occupational therapy assessments to NDIS participants across Australia, allowing you to participate from your own home.
During a telehealth FCA, your occupational therapist can gather information through:
Detailed interviews about your daily activities and support needs.
Observations of your movement and functional abilities.
Standardised assessment tools and questionnaires.
Supporting reports and clinical documentation.
Photographs or videos where appropriate.
Discussions with family members, carers or support professionals, with your consent.
This approach can provide a comprehensive understanding of your functional capacity without requiring travel to a clinic.
For participants with mobility difficulties, limited transport options or those living in regional areas, telehealth can make accessing an FCA significantly more convenient.
Some assessments may require additional information or in-person evaluation where particular functional abilities cannot be adequately assessed remotely. Your OT will consider this when determining the appropriate assessment approach.
How Can an FCA Support an NDIS Plan Review or Reassessment?
One of the most important purposes of an FCA is to provide clear, clinically informed evidence about your disability-related support needs.
When reviewing a plan, the NDIA considers whether requested supports meet the relevant NDIS funding criteria.
A comprehensive FCA helps explain why particular supports may be necessary and how they relate to your functional limitations and goals.
For example, your assessment may identify that you require:
Additional assistance with personal care or daily activities.
Support workers to help with community participation.
Assistive technology or equipment.
Occupational therapy or other capacity-building supports.
Home modifications to improve accessibility.
Additional support with developing independent living skills.
More appropriate home and living arrangements.
Importantly, an FCA isn't limited to recommending occupational therapy services. It considers your broader disability-related needs and may recommend supports delivered by different providers.
A well-prepared report can also identify gaps between the assistance you currently receive and the support you require.
While an FCA doesn't guarantee an increase in NDIS funding, it can help the NDIA make more informed decisions based on your individual circumstances.
What Is a Home and Living Assessment?
A Home and Living Assessment is a more detailed assessment of a participant's disability-related support and accommodation needs.
It is particularly relevant when someone is requesting funding for specialised living arrangements or substantial assistance within their home.
The assessment considers factors such as:
Your current living arrangements and daily support requirements.
Your ability to complete household and personal care activities.
The assistance you require throughout the day and overnight.
Safety, accessibility and supervision needs.
Your personal preferences and independent living goals.
Whether alternative housing or support arrangements could meet your needs.
The resulting report provides evidence to help the NDIA consider appropriate Home and Living supports.
What's the Difference Between an FCA and a Home and Living Assessment?
A standard FCA examines your overall functional capacity and disability-related support needs across everyday life.
A Home and Living Assessment builds on this information, with additional attention given to your accommodation requirements and the type, frequency and intensity of support needed at home.
For example, a standard FCA may identify that you require assistance with showering, cooking and household tasks.
A Home and Living Assessment goes further by considering how these supports should be provided within your living arrangements, including whether you require regular assistance, overnight supervision or specialist housing.
If you're requesting SIL, ILO or SDA funding, a detailed Home and Living Assessment may provide important supporting evidence. The NDIA determines what evidence is required for each request.
What Are SIL, ILO and SDA?
The NDIS provides several types of Home and Living supports, each designed for different circumstances.
Understanding the differences can help you identify which options may be relevant to your needs.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Supported Independent Living provides funding for support workers to assist or supervise participants with everyday activities within their home.
SIL is generally intended for people who need substantial assistance or supervision throughout the day and overnight, potentially including 24-hour support.
This may involve assistance with personal care, preparing meals, household activities and other daily routines.
SIL funding covers eligible support services rather than accommodation costs such as rent or groceries.
Individualised Living Options (ILO)
Individualised Living Options provide a flexible approach to organising disability-related supports around a participant's preferred living arrangements.
ILO may suit people who want greater choice over where they live, who they live with and how their support is delivered.
It can include a combination of paid supports, informal assistance and arrangements involving housemates or host families.
According to the NDIS, ILO may be appropriate for people who require at least six hours of formal or informal support at home each day.
Unlike SIL, ILO arrangements are individually designed rather than based on a standard support structure.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Specialist Disability Accommodation is housing designed for eligible participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
SDA properties may include accessibility features such as wider doorways, specialised bathrooms, wheelchair-accessible facilities or equipment to assist with transfers.
Unlike SIL and ILO, which focus on support arrangements, SDA funding relates to the specialised housing itself.
Some participants may receive both SDA and SIL funding, depending on their individual needs and eligibility.
An appropriately detailed Home and Living Assessment can help document the functional limitations, accommodation requirements and support needs relevant to these funding decisions.
How to Get Started With an FCA Through OT Assessed
If you're preparing for an NDIS plan reassessment, experiencing changes in your support needs or exploring Home and Living options, a Functional Capacity Assessment may be an important next step.
At OT Assessed, our occupational therapists provide comprehensive telehealth assessments for NDIS participants across Australia.
Our process includes a detailed assessment, review of relevant supporting evidence and a comprehensive report with recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
We aim to provide completed reports within approximately two weeks, with fast-track options available when timeframes are particularly important.
Not sure whether you need an FCA or Home and Living Assessment?
Contact OT Assessed or book a free 10-minute discovery call to discuss your circumstances, available options and the next steps towards obtaining the assessment you need.
