NDIS guide
What Is an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment? A Plain-English Guide
An NDIS functional capacity assessment (FCA) is a detailed look at how disability affects everyday life. An occupational therapist usually completes it in the person’s home, then writes a report on what the person can do, where they need support and what is recommended.
The report is evidence for NDIS planning. The NDIA, not the therapist, decides what is funded.
At a glance
Who does it
An occupational therapist
Where
In the participant’s home
Home visit
Usually 1.5 to 2 hours
Report
Within 2 weeks of the visit
On this page
What an FCA looks at
An FCA covers daily life as a whole, not a single task. Depending on the person, it may include:
- Moving around the home, transfers and getting out and about
- Personal care, such as showering, dressing and toileting
- Household tasks, such as preparing meals, cleaning and shopping
- Community access and transport
- Communication, relationships and social participation
- Learning, study or work, where relevant
- Memory, planning, mood and behaviour support needs, where they affect daily activities
- The home environment, including risks and barriers to independence
When an FCA may help
Most participants don’t need an FCA before every plan review. It is more often requested when:
- Current support needs have to be shown before a plan review or reassessment
- Something significant has changed, such as a new diagnosis, a hospital stay, a decline in function or a move
- New or different supports are being explored, such as assistive technology, home modifications or supported living
- The participant is moving between life stages, such as leaving school or moving out of the family home
- The NDIA has asked for more information about functional support needs
FCA or standard OT assessment?
Standard OT assessment
Answers one question, such as “Is this shower chair right for this bathroom?”.
Functional capacity assessment
Looks at daily life across every area the NDIA considers, and the support that takes. It takes longer and produces a more detailed report.
How it works at Healthroos
ReferralWe aim to acknowledge it within 4 business hours and confirm the purpose of the assessment.
Home visitUsually 1.5 to 2 hours, at a time that suits the household.
AssessmentObservation and standardised tools chosen for the person.
ReportWithin 2 weeks of the initial consult. If it may take longer, we’ll say so at intake.
What happens on the day
- A conversation about a typical day, what is hard and what the participant wants to work towards
- Watching everyday activities, such as making a drink or moving between rooms, only as far as the participant is comfortable
- Standardised assessment tools chosen for the person, for example WHODAS 2.0, LSP-16 or the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)
- A look at the layout of the home, the equipment already in use and any safety risks
A family member, carer or support worker can be there if the participant would like. Tell us about communication needs or a preferred language when you refer; our team speaks several languages, subject to clinician availability.
What the report covers
- Background, including relevant diagnoses, history and current supports
- Function in each relevant area of daily life
- Results of standardised assessments
- Findings about the home environment
- A clear summary of support needs, including type, frequency and intensity
- Recommendations, for example therapy, assistive technology, home modifications or living supports
- Goals linked to the participant’s NDIS plan
How to prepare
Before the visit
- Think about a typical day and week: what is hard, what help you get, and how often
- Have your NDIS plan details and goals handy
- List the equipment you already use and anything that isn’t working
- Gather relevant reports, such as hospital discharge summaries or previous therapy reports, and share them the way we agree
- Invite someone who knows your routine well, if you’d like support during the visit
- Tell us about access needs, pets or anything else we need for a safe visit
Costs and funding
What it costs
FCAs are billed at the NDIS occupational therapy hourly rate for the time involved, including travel, the assessment, analysis and report writing. Many take around 10 billable hours, depending on complexity. You get a written, itemised estimate before we start.
Current rates: NDIS allied health price guide.
How funding works
Whether an FCA can be paid from a plan depends on the plan, its supports and the funding available. The report is evidence; it can’t guarantee a plan change or a funding decision.
Read the NDIS guidance on therapy supports.
Common questions
How long does an FCA take?
The home visit usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. We aim to deliver the report within 2 weeks of the initial consult; complex situations can take longer.
Who can refer for an FCA?
Participants, families, support coordinators, plan managers and health professionals can refer, with the participant’s consent.
Do I need an FCA before every plan review?
No. An FCA is usually requested when needs have changed, new supports are being explored, or the NDIA asks for more information.
Does an FCA guarantee more NDIS funding?
No. The report is evidence for planning. The NDIA decides what is funded.
How much does an FCA cost?
It is billed at the NDIS occupational therapy hourly rate for the time involved. Many take around 10 billable hours, depending on complexity, and we give you a written, itemised estimate first.
Related guides
Arrange an FCA in Sydney
Tell us the participant’s suburb, the purpose of the assessment and any report due date. We’ll confirm availability and give you a written estimate. More about our NDIS functional capacity assessments.
This guide is general information. It does not replace advice about an individual NDIS plan or clinical care. The NDIA determines eligibility, plan budgets and funding decisions.