A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a detailed evaluation that explores how a person’s disability affects their ability to complete everyday activities. It provides objective information about a participant’s current abilities, support needs, and the type of assistance that will help them work towards greater independence.
In the context of the NDIS, FCAs are commonly used to help the participant, their support team, and the NDIS identify what supports are reasonable and necessary to help them pursue their goals.
An FCA looks beyond diagnosis alone. It focuses on how someone manages practical tasks in daily life - from self-care and household routines to mobility, cognition, and community participation. The results guide future planning, therapy, and support recommendations.
Why Do People Need a Functional Capacity Assessment for the NDIS?
Within the NDIS, the purpose of a Functional Capacity Assessment is to:
- Provide evidence of functional limitations across one or more life domains
- Support access or plan reviews, ensuring that funding decisions are based on reliable clinical data rather than assumptions
- Identify areas for capacity building, including therapy goals, assistive technology needs, and environmental supports
- Guide collaboration between participants, families, support coordinators, and allied health professionals
Participants may have an FCA when they first apply for NDIS access, at the start of their plan, or during a review to demonstrate progress or changes in needs. For many people, the assessment is a critical document that determines the level of support funded in their NDIS plan.
What Does an FCA Assess?
An FCA conducted by an occupational therapist typically covers:
- Self-care and personal hygiene - bathing, dressing, grooming, continence
- Mobility - moving around the home and community, transfers, use of aids
- Domestic tasks - meal preparation, household cleaning, laundry, shopping
- Cognitive function - memory, attention, planning, decision-making, safety awareness
- Communication - understanding information, expressing needs, technology use
- Community participation - accessing services, transport, social activities
- Behaviour and emotional regulation - managing stress, relating to others, challenging behaviour
- Vocational capacity - ability to engage in employment or education
The scope is determined by the participant’s goals and what the NDIS needs to make a funding decision.
What Happens During an FCA?
At Flourish Health, a Functional Capacity Assessment typically involves:
- Pre-assessment planning - We review any existing reports, medical history, and your NDIS goals before the appointment.
- Interview and observation - Our OT meets with you (and a carer or support person if you choose) to understand your daily life and complete functional tasks together.
- Standardised assessments - Where relevant, we use validated tools to measure specific functional domains.
- Report writing - We prepare a detailed clinical report documenting findings, functional ratings, and recommendations.
- Delivery and debrief - You receive a copy of the report and we walk you through the findings.
Most FCAs involve one to two appointments of one to three hours each, plus report writing time.
How Do I Access an FCA?
You do not need a GP referral to request an FCA from Flourish Health. You can:
- Make a referral online - for yourself or on behalf of a client
- Call us - (03) 7043 7778
- Email - admin@flourishhealth.com.au
FCAs can be funded under Capacity Building - Daily Activities or Capacity Building - Support Coordination in your NDIS plan. If you are unsure whether your plan includes FCA funding, speak to your plan manager or support coordinator.
Flourish Health is an NDIS-aligned (unregistered) provider. We work with plan-managed and self-managed participants.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Report?
We aim to deliver completed FCA reports within 10–15 business days of the final assessment appointment. Turnaround times may vary depending on report complexity and current caseload - we will advise you at the time of booking.
If you have a plan review or NDIS access decision with a deadline, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your timeline.
