A functional capacity assessment (FCA) is a structured assessment, usually by an occupational therapist, of what a person can do on their own, what they need help with, and what support would make the biggest difference. The report is the evidence the NDIS uses to decide what is reasonable and necessary.
At a glance
- Completed by the occupational therapists of Care Alliance, a registered NDIS provider
- A particular focus of our OT team, with FCAs completed every day
- Three full-time occupational therapists from 23 November 2026, taking new referrals now
- Reports that support NDIS plans, plan reviews, SIL and other housing applications, equipment and home modifications
- At home, in the community, at our Charlestown clinic or by telehealth
- Referrals from participants themselves, parents, guardians and support coordinators; no GP referral needed
- Across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens and the Central Coast
Taking new OT referrals now
Our occupational therapy team is growing to three full-time occupational therapists, with the third starting on 23 November 2026, and we are taking new OT referrals now. Our OTs work with children from 3 years old and with adults, at home, at school, in SIL homes and in the community, across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. That includes functional capacity assessments and paediatric occupational therapy.
Call 1300 206 309 or send an enquiry from this page, and our intake team will talk through what you need and when your OT can start. Updated 8 November 2026.
Current capacity across all our servicesWhen you might need a functional capacity assessment
The NDIS asks for functional evidence whenever it has to decide how much support someone needs. Common reasons people come to us for an FCA:
- A new plan, or a plan reassessment where support needs have changed
- A Supported Independent Living (SIL) application, or another housing application
- Requests for assistive technology, equipment or home modifications
- A change in circumstances, such as coming home from hospital or a family carer no longer able to help in the same way
- Building the evidence for more, or different, support hours
How our functional capacity assessments work
An FCA is not a test you pass or fail. Your occupational therapist observes what you can do on your own, what you can do with help, and what you cannot currently do at all, across everyday tasks like personal care, preparing food, managing a household, getting around and taking part in work, study or community life.
- You, a parent or guardian, or your support coordinator contacts us. No GP referral is needed.
- Our intake team asks what the report is for, who will read it and when it is needed, so the assessment answers the right question.
- Your OT assesses you at home, in the community, at our Charlestown clinic or by telehealth, whichever gives the clearest picture, often across more than one session.
- Your OT explains up front how time will be split between the assessment and report writing, so there are no surprises against your budget.
- The report is written for the NDIS: what you can and cannot do, the support you need, and what happens without it.
Why the report matters more than the visit
A planner or delegate reading an FCA needs to understand not just that support is needed, but why, how much, and what happens without it. Vague reports get vague plans. That is why we would rather see someone across more than one setting, and why we will tell you if we think a single appointment will not produce evidence strong enough to be useful to you.
FCAs can be done at home, in the community, at our Charlestown clinic or by telehealth. Where the evidence depends on seeing how someone manages their own kitchen or bathroom, your OT will talk with you about whether an in-person session is needed as well.
One team behind the assessment
Our occupational therapists work alongside in-house psychologists, behaviour support practitioners, physiotherapists, dietitians and nurses. Where any of them are already part of your support, they can share what they know, so the report reflects the whole picture rather than one appointment.
Fees, funding and plan management
Care Alliance is a registered NDIS provider, so our occupational therapists can work with participants whose plans are agency-managed (NDIA-managed), plan-managed or self-managed.
Occupational therapy is usually funded from the Capacity Building budget, under Improved Daily Living. We charge the standard NDIS rate in the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, and never more, however your plan is managed. Your OT explains up front how time will be split between face-to-face therapy and report writing, so there are no surprises against your budget.
Equipment and home modifications that an OT recommends are usually funded from the Capital budget, once the NDIS accepts the evidence. No GP referral is needed for NDIS-funded occupational therapy.
Common questions
Do you have availability for NDIS occupational therapy?
Yes. Our team is growing to three full-time occupational therapists, with the third starting on 23 November 2026, and we are taking new OT referrals now, including functional capacity assessments and paediatric occupational therapy. Our OTs work at home, at school, in SIL homes and in the community. Call 1300 206 309 or enquire online, and our intake team will confirm when your OT can start.
Do I need a referral for a functional capacity assessment?
No GP referral is needed. Participants refer themselves, and parents, guardians and support coordinators refer too. Contact us directly and our intake team will ask what the report is for and when it is needed.
How long does a functional capacity assessment take?
It depends on what the report is for and how complex the situation is. A thorough FCA often takes more than one visit, plus report-writing time. With three full-time OTs we complete FCAs every day, and our intake team will give you an honest idea of report timing before you book.
Can a functional capacity assessment be done by telehealth?
Yes. Our OTs complete functional capacity assessments at home, in the community, at our Charlestown clinic or by telehealth. Where the evidence depends on seeing how you manage tasks in your own home, your OT will talk with you about whether an in-person session is needed as well.
How is a functional capacity assessment funded?
An FCA is usually funded from the Capacity Building budget, under Improved Daily Living, like other occupational therapy. The time includes the assessment and the report writing, and your OT explains the split up front. Our guide explains how much an FCA costs.
Can an FCA support a SIL or housing application?
Yes. Our occupational therapists complete functional capacity assessments for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and other housing applications, as well as plans, plan reviews, equipment and home modifications. Our guide explains why FCAs carry so much weight in those decisions.
Is a functional capacity assessment a test I can fail?
No. It records what you can do on your own, what you can do with help and what you cannot currently do, so the NDIS can see the support you need. There is nothing to pass.
Can you see agency-managed NDIS participants for OT?
Yes. Care Alliance is a registered NDIS provider, so our occupational therapists can work with agency-managed (NDIA-managed), plan-managed and self-managed participants.
