Functional Capacity Assessment
NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments, via telehealth or in person.
Evidence-based FCAs, built for your participant
Detailed, evidence-based Functional Capacity Assessments that document how disability affects daily life, and the supports that help.
Working to a deadline? Urgent reports within 10 business days (two working weeks)
How Much Does a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) Cost?
Transparent FCA pricing, experienced Occupational Therapists and comprehensive, evidence-based reports.
At CARED, we believe understanding the cost of your Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) should be simple.
Whether you’re an NDIS participant, family member, Support Coordinator or Plan Manager, we provide clear, upfront pricing so you know what to expect before your assessment begins.
Our Functional Capacity Assessments are delivered by experienced Occupational Therapists who take the time to understand your everyday challenges, functional abilities, support needs and goals.
We offer telehealth Functional Capacity Assessments Australia-wide, as well as face-to-face appointments where available and clinically appropriate.
How Much Does an FCA Cost?
| Assessment Details | Hours / Cost |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy hourly rate | $193.99 |
| Initial assessment and participant interview | 1.5 hours |
| Information gathering and evidence review | Up to 3.5 hours |
| Clinical analysis and recommendations | Up to 5 hours |
| Comprehensive FCA report preparation | Up to 5 hours |
| Total clinical time | Up to 15 hours |
| Total estimated cost | Up to $2,909.85 |
A standard telehealth NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment with CARED costs up to $2,909.85, based on a maximum of 15 hours of clinical time at $193.99 per hour.
This includes both direct assessment time with your Occupational Therapist and indirect clinical work required to complete your assessment and prepare your comprehensive FCA report.
What’s included in the price?
Your FCA involves more than your initial appointment.
Your Occupational Therapist may also review relevant medical and allied health information, consult with your support network, analyse your functional capacity and prepare a detailed report with recommendations tailored to your circumstances.
The time required will depend on your individual needs and the complexity of your assessment.
You will only be charged for clinical services delivered, in accordance with your agreed Service Agreement and applicable NDIS pricing requirements.
The above pricing is based on a telehealth assessment. Face-to-face appointments will incur additional travel charges, which will be explained and agreed upon before your assessment begins.
What’s Included in Your Functional Capacity Assessment?
At CARED, our standard FCA involves up to 15 hours of professional clinical services.
Your Occupational Therapist conducts a comprehensive interview and assessment to understand your daily activities, functional abilities, challenges, environment and support needs.
Your assessment may explore the six NDIS functional domains:
- Mobility: Your ability to move around safely and independently.
- Communication: How you communicate and understand others.
- Social interaction: Your ability to develop relationships and participate socially.
- Learning: Your ability to learn, understand and apply new information.
- Self-care: Your ability to manage personal care and everyday activities.
- Self-management: Your ability to organise, plan and manage daily responsibilities.
Your practitioner reviews relevant information to develop a comprehensive understanding of your circumstances.
This may include:
- Existing medical and allied health reports.
- Previous assessments and recommendations.
- Information from family members, carers and support workers.
- Consultation with your Support Coordinator or other treating professionals.
- Your NDIS goals, current supports and functional challenges.
Your Occupational Therapist analyses the assessment findings and supporting evidence to identify your functional support needs.
This may include considering:
- The impact of your disability on everyday activities.
- Your current level of independence.
- The assistance you require to complete daily tasks.
- Functional barriers, risks and safety considerations.
- Opportunities to improve independence and participation.
- Appropriate therapy, assistive technology and support recommendations.
Your Occupational Therapist prepares a detailed, evidence-based Functional Capacity Assessment report.
Your report brings together the assessment findings, clinical reasoning and recommendations to provide a clear picture of your functional abilities and disability-related support needs.
It may be used to support:
- NDIS plan reassessments.
- Requests for changes to existing supports.
- Identification of additional disability-related support needs.
- Therapy and support planning.
- Recommendations for assistive technology or home modifications.
- Discussions with Support Coordinators and other treating professionals.
Total clinical time: Up to 15 hours
Total estimated telehealth FCA cost: Up to $2,909.85
Can My NDIS Funding Cover the Cost of an FCA?
A Functional Capacity Assessment may be funded through your NDIS plan where the assessment is related to your disability support needs and meets the applicable NDIS funding requirements.
Occupational Therapy FCAs are generally funded through the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living support category, where appropriate funding is available.
Your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager can help you understand your available funding and whether an FCA can be funded through your current plan.
At CARED, we’ll provide a clear estimate of the clinical hours and costs before your assessment begins.
Telehealth vs Face-to-Face FCA Costs
CARED offers both telehealth and face-to-face Functional Capacity Assessments, depending on your individual needs and practitioner availability.
Telehealth Functional Capacity Assessments
Up to $2,909.85 | Up to 15 hours
Our telehealth FCAs allow you to complete your assessment remotely, from the comfort of your home or another suitable location.
Telehealth assessments offer several benefits:
- Access to experienced Occupational Therapists across Australia.
- No practitioner travel charges.
- Convenient appointments without the need to travel.
- The opportunity to involve family members, carers or support workers where appropriate.
- Comprehensive assessment and reporting tailored to your functional needs.
Telehealth can be a practical and cost-effective option for participants who do not require an in-person assessment.
Face-to-Face Functional Capacity Assessments
Clinical assessment fees plus applicable travel charges
For participants who require an in-person assessment, CARED may be able to arrange a face-to-face appointment at home or another appropriate location.
Travel charges depend on factors including practitioner location, travel requirements and applicable NDIS pricing arrangements.
We’ll explain any additional travel costs before confirming your appointment.
Do All Functional Capacity Assessments Cost the Same?
No. Every participant has different circumstances, abilities and support needs.
While CARED’s standard FCA allows for up to 15 hours of clinical time, some assessments may require fewer hours.
Participants with more complex needs may require additional assessment, stakeholder consultation, clinical analysis or reporting.
The total cost of your FCA will depend on the clinical services required and delivered.
If additional assessment time is recommended, we’ll discuss the reasons and provide an updated estimate for your agreement before proceeding.
Our goal is to ensure you receive an assessment that is appropriate to your individual needs, without unnecessary clinical costs.
Private Functional Capacity Assessments
CARED also offers private Functional Capacity Assessments for individuals who wish to self-fund their assessment.
Our private FCA package may be suitable where a more limited assessment scope is clinically appropriate.
Private FCA Pricing
- Up to 10 hours of clinical time.
- Estimated total cost: Up to $1,939.90.
The scope and inclusions of a private assessment will be discussed and agreed upon before commencement.
For private assessments, a 50% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance payable upon completion of the final report.
Why Choose CARED for Your Functional Capacity Assessment?
At CARED, Functional Capacity Assessments are one of our core areas of expertise.
Our experienced Occupational Therapists deliver comprehensive, evidence-based assessments that are practical, person-centred and designed to clearly communicate your functional support needs.
We understand that an FCA is more than a report. It’s an opportunity to ensure your everyday challenges, abilities and goals are properly understood.
When you choose CARED, you can expect:
- Experienced Occupational Therapists who understand NDIS assessment and reporting requirements.
- Transparent pricing with clear estimates before your assessment begins.
- Up to 15 hours of comprehensive assessment and reporting, depending on your individual needs.
- Telehealth assessments Australia-wide, with no practitioner travel charges.
- Face-to-face options where available and clinically appropriate.
- Evidence-based reports with practical, individualised recommendations.
- A person-centred approach that puts your needs and goals first.
- Support throughout the process from our friendly Service Navigation team.
We work closely with participants, families, carers and Support Coordinators to make the assessment process straightforward and supportive.
Ready to Book Your Functional Capacity Assessment?
Get the clarity and clinical evidence you need to plan your next steps with confidence.
Whether you need an FCA for an upcoming NDIS plan reassessment, a change in your support needs or a better understanding of your functional capacity, CARED is here to help.
Our friendly team can discuss your circumstances, explain the assessment process and match you with an appropriate Occupational Therapist.
Call 1300 367 117 or email hello@cared.io.
Alternatively, complete our online referral form and our team will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Clear evidence helps explain support needs
'You've done everything right.'
An FCA can explain how disability affects everyday life and what support a participant needs. Clear, participant-specific evidence helps the NDIA consider those needs alongside other relevant information.
Our OTs document everyday function, support needs and the reasoning behind their recommendations.
An FCA does not guarantee a particular funding outcome. The NDIA makes funding decisions based on the participant's circumstances, relevant evidence and applicable criteria.
Get your free guide to Functional Capacity Assessments
- Learn how a well-evidenced FCA gives the NDIA a clear picture of the support your participant needs
- A clear breakdown of what happens during the assessment, step by step
- Understand how your FCA shapes your plan before your next review
When you refer to CARED for an FCA, you unlock an entire allied health team
Most FCA providers stop at the assessment. CARED is different. One referral connects your participant to eight specialist services, so when the OT identifies a speech or psychology need, that support is already in the room.
Occupational Therapy
Behaviour Support
Psychology
Neuropsychology
Speech Pathology
Physiotherapy
Exercise Physiology
Dietetics
No re-referrals. No repeating the story.
Coordinated, compassionate care under one roof.
Ready to refer a participant?
Unlock the full allied health team in one referral.
What makes a CARED FCA different
Not all FCAs are created equal. An NDIA-ready assessment goes far beyond a checklist; it tells the full story of how a disability impacts daily life, and makes a clear, justified case for the support requested.
Specific, not generic
We document real examples. No more, 'participant requires support with daily tasks', but instead we ask: what tasks, how often, and with what level of assistance.
Linked to NDIS goals
Every recommendation is tied directly to the participant's stated goals and the relevant support category.
Risk and functional impact
We document what happens without support, including safety risks, carer burnout, and impact across all life domains.
Justified budgets
Funding requests include frequency, rationale, and evidence, so the NDIA has what it needs to make a decision.
Common red flags that can make an FCA less useful as evidence:
- Vague language with no participant-specific examples or support rationale
- No link between recommendations and the participant's NDIS goals
- Missing risk assessment or consequences of not receiving support
- Focuses only on best-day functioning, not real-day variability
What a CARED FCA covers
Our OTs assess functional capacity across every life domain the NDIA evaluates, producing a comprehensive, evidence-based report that stands up at plan reassessment.
Mobility and physical function, movement in home and community
Self-care, personal hygiene, dressing, eating, toileting
Communication, expression, comprehension, AAC needs
Self-management, medications, finances, scheduling
Learning and cognition, memory, concentration, following instructions
Social interaction and emotional regulation
Home environment and safety risk assessment
Recommendations by support category (Core, Capacity Building, Capital)
Justification for SIL, SDA, assistive technology, and home modifications
Support Coordinator Tip
Submit your FCA referral at least 6-8 weeks before a plan reassessment. CARED can fast-track urgent referrals. Urgent FCA reports are delivered within 10 business days (two working weeks) of the final assessment session.
Got an upcoming plan reassessment?
Lock in a CARED FCA. Urgent reports within 10 business days (two working weeks).
OTs who know the NDIS inside out
Our occupational therapists have specialist experience in NDIS assessments across a wide range of disabilities, ages, and living situations. They take the time to understand the participant, not just complete a form.
FCAs across Australia. No matter where your participant lives
With clinics in major capitals and telehealth nationwide, CARED supports NDIS participants wherever they are, from inner-city Sydney to regional Queensland.
hear from our community
“The turnaround was fast, the OT was easy to work with, and the report was exactly what we needed heading into the plan review. I'll be referring all my SIL clients here.“
Not sure where to start?
Enquire NowFAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About FCA Costs
A standard telehealth Functional Capacity Assessment with CARED costs up to $2,909.85, based on a maximum of 15 hours of clinical time at $193.99 per hour.
This includes the initial assessment, information gathering, clinical analysis and preparation of a comprehensive FCA report.
The final cost depends on the clinical services required and delivered.
The NDIS may fund an FCA where it meets the applicable funding requirements and appropriate funding is available in the participant’s plan.
Occupational Therapy FCAs are generally funded through Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.
Participants should confirm their available funding before proceeding.
A standard NDIS FCA with CARED involves up to 15 hours of clinical time.
The actual time required depends on the participant’s circumstances and assessment complexity.
A Functional Capacity Assessment involves considerably more than a single appointment.
Your Occupational Therapist assesses your functional abilities, reviews supporting evidence, considers your disability-related needs and prepares a detailed clinical report.
The total cost reflects both the direct assessment and the professional clinical work completed outside your appointment.
Telehealth FCAs can be more cost-effective because they do not involve additional practitioner travel charges.
CARED’s standard telehealth FCA costs up to $2,909.85.
Face-to-face assessments are charged at the same clinical hourly rate, with additional travel charges applying.
Yes. CARED offers private Functional Capacity Assessments.
Where a more limited assessment scope is appropriate, our private FCA package includes up to 10 hours of clinical services, with an estimated cost of up to $1,939.90.
Our team can discuss your requirements and provide a cost estimate before proceeding.
Some participants have complex needs that require additional assessment, consultation or reporting.
Where additional clinical time is recommended, CARED will discuss the reasons and provide an updated cost estimate before proceeding.
No. A Functional Capacity Assessment provides clinical evidence about your functional abilities and disability-related support needs.
The NDIA considers this evidence alongside other relevant information when making funding decisions.
An FCA does not guarantee a particular funding outcome.
Contact CARED on 1300 367 117, email hello@cared.io or complete our online referral form.
Our team will discuss your requirements, confirm practitioner availability and provide information about the assessment process and costs.
Three steps to a stronger FCA
Submit a referral or book a discovery call
Tell us about the participant and the upcoming planning milestones. Takes 5 minutes.
We match and schedule
We assign an OT with relevant specialisation and schedule around the participant's availability, face-to-face or telehealth.
Receive a report built to stand up
A comprehensive, NDIA-ready FCA, delivered within 10–14 business days of the final assessment session for most assessments, plus access to our full allied health team if further supports are identified.
Learn more about FCAs
Need an urgent Functional Capacity Assessment? Fully onboarded, matched and booked in within 72 hours from receipt of a complete referral. Urgent FCA reports are delivered within 10 business days (two working weeks) of the final assessment session. Learn about urgent FCAs
take the first step
Your participant's plan reassessment won't wait
CARED's FCAs provide evidence about everyday function and disability-related support needs. An FCA does not guarantee a particular funding outcome. Let's get started.