NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)

An FCA is holistic and overarching. While other assessments might focus on a specific area (e.g., speech, psychology), the FCA looks at your functioning across all areas of daily life. It is often the primary assessment that identifies needs which may then require more specific follow-up assessments (e.g., for particular equipment).

FCAs must be completed by qualified Allied Health Professionals, most commonly Occupational Therapists (OTs). At Beyond Health Services, our assessors are experienced OTs who are experts in the NDIS and understand how to provide the evidence the agency requires.

You need an FCA for:

Initial NDIS Access: To provide evidence of how your disability significantly impacts your functioning.

Plan Review: To demonstrate changing needs and justify new or increased supports.

Complex Support Needs: To request funding for high-cost items like assistive technology or home modifications.

The process typically involves:

Pre-assessment questionnaires (30-60 mins).

The assessment session itself (-3 hours, sometimes split over multiple sessions).

Report writing time (completed by the therapist afterwards).
The entire process from booking to receiving the final report usually takes 2-3 weeks.

Yes. The FCA is the foundational evidence for these requests. It will detail why the item is necessary due to your functional limitations, how it will help you achieve your goals, and why it is a reasonable and necessary support under the NDIS.

That is exactly the point of the assessment. The therapist is not testing you to see if you can "pass." They are observing the challenges you face to accurately document the support you need. There is no pressure to perform, and it's okay if you cannot complete a task.

If you are an existing NDIS participant, the assessment can be funded from your Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living budget. If you are applying to the NDIS for the first time, you may need to cover the cost privately, though some healthcare plans may provide a rebate.

Think about your goals and the biggest challenges you face in your day-to-day life. It can be helpful to have a list of medications and any existing reports from other specialists. Most importantly, just be yourself – the goal is to capture an accurate picture of your life.