What an FCA actually measures
A functional capacity assessment looks at how your disability affects everyday functioning across the whole of life — not your diagnosis, but what the diagnosis means in practice. A thorough FCA typically covers:
- Self-care — showering, dressing, eating, continence, medication
- Mobility — moving around the home and community, transfers, falls risk
- Communication — understanding and being understood, including aids
- Home living — cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, money handling
- Community participation, relationships and social functioning
- Learning, memory, decision-making and safety awareness
- The physical environment — how your home helps or hinders
- Informal supports — what family and friends currently do, and how sustainable that is
Who does the assessment and how
Most FCAs are completed by occupational therapists, because functional assessment is the core of OT training; psychologists complete them where cognitive, psychosocial or behavioural functioning is the focus, and sometimes disciplines combine. Expect standardised tools alongside observation and interview — a good assessor watches you do real tasks in your real environment rather than relying on a questionnaire in a clinic room.
A proper FCA takes hours, usually across more than one visit, plus significant report-writing time. Be wary of anyone offering a same-week, single-visit FCA for a complex situation — NDIS delegates read a lot of reports and can tell a thin one at a glance.
What the report contains — and why wording matters
The report describes current function domain by domain, the support you need (type, frequency, duration — e.g. daily prompting vs full physical assistance), risks if support isn't provided, and specific recommendations tied to NDIS language: support hours, therapy, equipment, home modifications, or a home-and-living arrangement like SIL. The NDIS funds what is 'reasonable and necessary', and a strong report draws the straight line from evidence to recommendation.
This is why FCAs carry so much weight in SIL decisions, plan reassessments and equipment approvals: they're the document that turns 'we're struggling at home' into evidence a delegate can act on.
How to prepare — honestly
The single biggest mistake families make is presenting their best day. Assessors need your typical day — including the hard parts. Before the assessment: keep a week's notes of what help was actually given and when; list what happens when support isn't there; gather existing reports; and brief the people who know the person best so they're available to talk. Don't coach or exaggerate — an experienced assessor will notice, and it undermines the report. Just don't hide the struggle either.
Care Alliance's occupational therapists and psychologists complete functional capacity assessments across Newcastle, the Hunter and Central Coast, in homes and in clinic — written to the standard NDIS decisions actually require.
Common questions
Who pays for a functional capacity assessment?
Usually your NDIS plan, from Capacity Building therapy funding. If the NDIS itself requests an assessment for a decision, discuss with your support coordinator or planner how it will be funded before booking.
How long does an FCA take?
Commonly several hours of assessment — often across two or more visits — plus report writing. From first appointment to final report, a few weeks is typical; complex situations take longer.
How current does an FCA need to be?
For significant decisions the NDIS generally wants recent evidence — commonly within the last year or two, or newer if circumstances have changed. If your function has changed since your last report, that's a reason to update it.
Can I see the report before it's sent?
Yes — you should. A good assessor reviews the draft with you, corrects factual errors, and makes sure it reflects your typical functioning before anything is submitted.
This guide is general information about the NDIS, not advice about your individual situation, and scheme rules change over time. For decisions about your plan, check the current guidance at ndis.gov.au or talk to your support coordinator, planner — or call us on 1300 206 309.