The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) brings support and funding to Australians living with disabilities. But getting access to the right help means understanding your needs—this is where the Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) plays a key role. In 2025, knowing how FCAs work is essential for anyone navigating the NDIS. This easy-to-understand guide will explain what an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment is, how it works, who does it, and why it matters for your plan and goals.

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)?

A Functional Capacity Assessment is a comprehensive check of how well someone manages everyday tasks and participates in different life areas. It doesn’t just look at medical issues—it focuses on actual abilities, challenges, and how these impact daily life, independence, and social involvement. The FCA can be used to review how you handle tasks like self-care, cooking, shopping, job activities, moving around your home or community, using technology, and forming relationships.

The purpose is to build a clear picture of what kinds of support and therapy will help you do more and enjoy life. NDIS planners use FCA results to decide not just if you qualify for funding, but which supports and services should be in your plan.​

Why Do You Need an FCA as Part of Your NDIS Plan?

NDIS funding is based on each person’s needs. The FCA provides the evidence and information decision-makers require to justify support. You may need one as part of your initial NDIS application, during plan reviews, or when appealing funding decisions.

The goal is to:

• Assess your strengths and support needs
• Show areas where you need help or adjustments
• Guide the type and level of therapy, equipment, or changes in your living space recommended for your goals
• Provide information to NDIS planners, doctors, and your family

Sometimes an FCA is required, other times it is recommended by a therapist or support coordinator to help make your case stronger.

Who Can Perform an FCA?

Most FCAs are completed by an Occupational Therapist—their training covers both medical and practical aspects of daily life. Other allied health professionals can also conduct FCAs, depending on your situation. The therapist will use interviews, observations, and formal tests to understand how medical, cognitive, and environmental factors affect your real-life abilities.​

What Happens During an FCA?

The assessment process begins with an interview about your medical history, challenges, strengths, and goals. The assessor will:

• Observe and ask questions about daily routines (getting dressed, preparing meals, shopping, social activities, moving around, handling money)
• Evaluate mobility, communication, and cognitive abilities
• Check your home or relevant environments for barriers or things that could be improved
• Involve your family, carers, and sometimes teachers or health providers to get a full picture

Interviews, practical tasks, and standardised assessment tools are used to measure your abilities.

What’s Included in an FCA Report?

After the assessment, you’ll receive a written report. This report will:

• Summarise your background and medical history
• List strengths and any challenges affecting independence
• Explain how your disability impacts everyday tasks
• Identify specific supports and therapies you may need—such as time for help with daily activities, equipment, or extra therapy sessions​
• Include evidence and justification for funding recommendations (making sure support is “reasonable and necessary”)
• Set short-term and long-term goals for the future
• Help guide your NDIS plan and your support team, often including advice for plan reviews or appealing decisions

How Long Does It Take?

A typical FCA takes 2–3 hours and may happen over one or two visits—more complex situations take longer. The report may require several hours more to write and review, especially if detailed justifications for funding are needed. Your therapist will explain the process up front and answer any questions about timing and costs.​

Can FCAs Be Done Online?

Many FCAs can be partly completed online, which is helpful if in-person visits are difficult or not possible. Interviews, discussions, and some standardised tests can be done using video calls and digital tools. However, for some mobility or physical assessments, face-to-face observation is still necessary.​

How Are FCAs Used for Funding and Therapy?

NDIS planners use FCA reports to:

• Approve or adjust funding for support workers, therapies, equipment, and home modifications
• Justify the number of hours/services in your support plan
• Guide therapy teams and support workers to target the areas where you need the most help or can make the most progress​

If your needs change, or if you want to appeal a funding decision, updating your FCA greatly helps your case.

Do You Need an FCA for NDIS Application?

You don’t always need an FCA to apply for the NDIS, but if you want to show you have ‘substantially reduced functional capacity’ in important life areas, it makes your application much stronger. You may also need one for plan reviews or to request more support or changes.

How to Find an FCA Therapist

The NDIS and many therapy providers, such as Sahasupports or Support Sorted, help connect participants with qualified occupational therapists for FCAs.

Final Thoughts

The NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment is much more than a test—it’s your chance to show real abilities, find the best support for your goals, and shape your future. By understanding everything you do, need, and want, the FCA opens the door to targeted NDIS funding, therapy, and greater independence.

If you or your family member is considering an FCA in 2025, talk to your support coordinator or occupational therapist. The results might change your life—and help you get the support you truly need.