Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) assess the individual’s ability to complete their activities of daily living, such as the ability to do everyday things comfortably and with minimal assistance. It also helps with a person’s ability to get involved in their local community or become involved in the workforce.
The FCA provides information about the individual’s strengths, limitations, and support needed to reach their personal goals.
How an FCA Fits into Your NDIS Plan
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is commonly used when applying for a new NDIS plan, reviewing an existing plan, or when a person’s support needs have changed.
The assessment provides clear, professional evidence about how a person manages daily activities. This helps the NDIS understand what supports are reasonable and necessary, so funding can better match real-life needs and personal goals.
What Does an FCA Assess?
An FCA evaluates a participant’s abilities across multiple areas:
1. Daily Living & Self-Care
- Personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting
- Meal preparation, shopping, and household tasks
- Medication management and routine support
2. Physical Function & Mobility
- Use of mobility aids and safe transfers
- Falls risk and seating assessments
- Home and workplace environment access and safety
3. Cognitive & Communication Skills
- Memory, attention, decision-making, and problem-solving
- Communication abilities, including assistive technology if needed
- Emotional regulation and social participation
4. Work, Education & Community Participation
- Capacity for work, study, or volunteering
- Use of public transport and navigation in the community
- Participation in recreational and non-vocational activities
5. Social, Medical & Environmental Context
- Review of medical history and treatments affecting function
- Assessment of social support networks and relationships
- Evaluation of home or school environment
Who Can Conduct an FCA?
An FCA may be performed by an Occupational Therapist, as they are trained in the area of assessing individuals’ ability to perform day-to-day tasks in all activities of daily living.
Other qualified professionals may also contribute:
- Physiotherapists (physical FCAs)
- Speech Pathologists (communication assessments)
- Psychologists or neuropsychologists (cognitive assessments)
- Medical specialists (neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons)
What Happens During an FCA?
An FCA is completed through a structured, practical assessment that may include:
- Initial discussion
Talking about medical history, daily routines, goals, and current challenges. - Daily living tasks (ADLs)
Observing basic self-care activities such as dressing, personal hygiene, and toileting. - Everyday activities (IADLs)
Assessing more complex tasks like meal preparation, shopping, and managing finances. - Functional mobility
Checking how a person moves safely at home, work, and in the community. - Cognitive and communication skills
Looking at memory, problem-solving, understanding, and communication abilities. - Environmental assessment
Identifying barriers at home, school, or work and suggesting practical changes. - Report and recommendations
Preparing a clear FCA report with personalised support recommendations that meet NDIS requirements.
How Long Does an FCA Take?
- Assessment: 2–4 hours (depending on complexity)
- Report Preparation: 5–8 hours
- Total Turnaround: Typically 2–6 weeks
NDIS Funding for Functional Capacity Assessments
Functional Capacity Assessments are funded through an NDIS funding stream called Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building) within your NDIS plan. Therefore, you can submit a request to have the assessment front-loaded onto your NDIS plan (before starting new activities) if necessary. Changes in your needs can be funded through plan review as well. Your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS Planner can arrange for funding for the assessment.
FCA vs Occupational Therapy vs Assistive Technology Assessments
| Assessment | Purpose | Who Conducts | Outcome |
| Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) | Comprehensive evaluation of daily living, work, and community participation | OT (or allied health specialist) | NDIS funding report with support recommendations |
| Occupational Therapy Assessment | Focused assessment for specific goals, e.g., home modifications or daily living skills | OT | Recommendations for therapy or targeted supports |
| Assistive Technology Assessment | Determine appropriate equipment or devices for independence | OT, Physio, or Speech Pathologist | Report to justify funding for equipment (wheelchair, communication aid) |
What to Bring When You Attend Your FCA
To ensure that your assessment has accurate information, please bring the following items:
- Any medical records related to your injury(s)/illness(es)
- Any previous reports you have received regarding your capacity to perform daily activities
- Other relevant information about the assistive technology you use.
- Your list of daily activities and challenges with those activities
- Your goals and expectations regarding improvement in daily living activities.
- Identify anyone who has a close relationship with you that will provide input into the assessment (e.g., family members, caregivers, people who have worked with you in a professional capacity, such as allied health staff).
- Be as honest as possible when describing your difficulties and challenges, even on your best days.
Using Your FCA Report for NDIS Funding
Supporting NDIS funding requests and reviews of NDIS plans is essential to:
- Support NDIS funding requests and plan reviews
- Justify reasonable and necessary supports
- Inform plan management, frontloading of therapy, or assistive devices
While the NDIA ultimately decides on funding requests, the FCA report, which is based on evidence (i.e., your disability), will provide the best possible way to justify your requests for funding and support.
Why Partner with Soaring Together
Every Service provided by Soaring Together is NDIS Compliant Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) Services, which include:
- Comprehensive and Holistic development, producing and submitting a report
- Support for all aspects of your NDIS Plan
- Compassionate, supportive, and clear assistance every step of the way.
