NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment: The Complete 2026 Guide

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is an assessment of how a person's disability affects their everyday life: what they can do, what they find difficult and what support they need. For NDIS participants, an FCA report can provide evidence about functional support needs when a plan is being created, reassessed or changed.

This guide explains what an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment involves, who completes it, when one may be needed, how to prepare, what it costs and how the NDIA uses the report.

What is an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment?

An NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment is a structured evaluation of a person's functional abilities and support needs across daily life. It usually looks at areas such as:

• self-care, such as showering, dressing and eating

• domestic tasks, such as cooking, cleaning and shopping

• mobility at home and in the community

• communication and social interaction

• learning and self-management, such as managing money, medication and appointments

• community, work and study participation

The report describes what the person can and cannot do, the type and frequency of support they need, and recommendations. This matches what the NDIA asks for in functional evidence from health professionals: the tasks a person can and cannot complete, and the support, aids or modifications they need and how often.

Learn more about CARED's Functional Capacity Assessments.

Who needs a Functional Capacity Assessment?

An FCA may be useful when:

• a person is applying to the NDIS and needs evidence of functional impact

• a participant's condition or functional capacity has changed

• the current plan no longer matches the participant's support needs

• the NDIA has asked for more evidence

• the participant is considering a change in living arrangements, such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

• a plan reassessment needs updated evidence about everyday function

Not everyone needs an FCA. If the question is narrow, such as swallowing, a wheelchair or behaviours of concern, a discipline-specific assessment may answer it more directly. Support Coordinators can use our Support Coordinator Toolbox to decide.

Who completes an FCA?

FCAs are most commonly completed by Occupational Therapists, whose training focuses on everyday function. Other allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, speech pathologists or psychologists, may assess specific areas of function within their scope.

When the main question is about cognition, a neuropsychological assessment may be more appropriate. Read Neuropsychological Assessment vs Functional Capacity Assessment for the difference.

What does a Functional Capacity Assessment involve?

Most FCAs follow four stages.

1. Initial consultation

The assessor learns about the participant's disability, medical history, daily routine, goals, current supports and the challenges they face across personal care, mobility, communication and community life.

2. Practical assessment

The assessor may observe everyday tasks, such as preparing a meal or using transport, and may use standardised assessment tools to measure areas such as motor skills, endurance, cognition or problem-solving.

3. Input from family, carers and other professionals

With consent, the assessor may speak with family members, support workers or other therapists to understand how the participant manages across different settings and on different days.

4. Report and recommendations

The assessor writes a report covering the participant's strengths, limitations, support needs and recommended supports, with the reasoning behind each recommendation.

Can an FCA be done via telehealth?

Many parts of an FCA can be completed via telehealth, including interviews and observation of some tasks at home. Some participants need face-to-face assessment, depending on the tasks involved, safety and communication needs. The assessing Occupational Therapist decides whether telehealth is suitable. Read more about online Functional Capacity Assessments.

How does the NDIA use a Functional Capacity Assessment?

The NDIA may consider an FCA report alongside other evidence when deciding which supports to include in a plan. The report can inform decisions about:

• core supports, such as personal care and community access

• assistive technology and home modifications

• capacity building and therapy supports

• home and living supports

An FCA is evidence, not a funding decision. The NDIA decides whether recommended supports meet the NDIS funding criteria, considering the participant's circumstances, informal and mainstream supports, and the plan as a whole.

How to prepare for a Functional Capacity Assessment

Gather relevant reports

Collect recent reports from doctors, specialists and therapists, previous assessments, and any letters from carers describing daily support needs.

List challenges and goals

Note the activities you find difficult and your short- and long-term goals, such as living more independently, working, studying or joining community activities.

Keep a short diary

For a few days before the assessment, note the help you need, how often, and any pain, fatigue or difficulty with memory or concentration. Include ordinary days and harder days.

Bring a support person

A family member, carer or support worker can add detail and help make sure nothing important is missed.

How to access a Functional Capacity Assessment

• NDIS plan funding: many participants use capacity building funding for assessments. Check your plan or ask your Support Coordinator or plan manager.

• Private payment: you can pay for an assessment yourself.

• Children younger than 9: families can get help through the NDIS early childhood approach, which supports children younger than 9 with developmental delay or disability.

Choosing the right FCA assessor

Look for an assessor who:

• has experience writing NDIS reports that link function to support needs

• understands the participant's disability or condition

• explains the scope, cost, appointments and report timeframe before starting

• can deliver the assessment in a format that suits the participant, in person or via telehealth

Next step

This guide is general information, not individual clinical or NDIS advice. If you need an FCA, CARED's Occupational Therapists can assess in person or via telehealth, including urgent FCAs when a report is needed quickly.

Book a Functional Capacity Assessment or contact our team.

An FCA does not guarantee a particular funding outcome. The NDIA considers relevant evidence and makes funding decisions based on the participant's circumstances and applicable criteria.