A functional capacity assessment (FCA) is an occupational therapy assessment of how a person’s disability affects everyday life — self-care, mobility, communication, learning, social interaction and self-management. It provides objective evidence of the supports a person needs, and is commonly used for NDIS access requests and plan reviews. Diagnosis tells the NDIS what condition you have; an FCA shows how it affects your daily life.
What does an FCA assess?
The NDIS considers how a disability affects a person’s functional capacity in six areas, and an FCA is usually structured around them:
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mobility | Moving around the home and community, transfers, using transport |
| Communication | Understanding and being understood |
| Social interaction | Making and keeping relationships, coping with social situations |
| Learning | Learning new skills and information, problem solving |
| Self-care | Showering, dressing, eating, toileting |
| Self-management | Planning, organising, managing money, medications and routines |
Occupational therapists also look at basic activities of daily living (self-care) and instrumental activities of daily living (community living tasks such as meal preparation, housework, shopping and managing finances), plus factors such as cognition, sensory processing, emotional regulation, safety and fatigue.
How an FCA is used
- NDIS access requests — evidence of how a disability substantially reduces functional capacity
- Plan reviews and reassessments — showing current support needs and changes over time
- Support planning — recommending therapy, support hours, equipment or home modifications
- Aged care and other funding — documenting needs for providers and funders
What happens during an FCA?
- Information gathering — diagnoses, existing reports, current supports and goals.
- Interview with the person and, where helpful, family, carers or support workers.
- Observation of everyday tasks — ideally in the person’s own environment, where possible.
- Standardised assessments where relevant.
- Report — functional strengths and limitations across each area, risks, and specific recommendations.
How to prepare
- Gather diagnoses, specialist letters and previous therapy reports
- Have your NDIS number, plan dates and plan manager details handy (if a participant)
- Write down your goals and what a typical good and bad day looks like
- Think about the help you currently receive — informal (family) and paid
- Invite someone who knows you well to attend
- Be honest about difficulties — it’s common to underplay them on the day
What does an FCA cost?
Costs depend on complexity, travel and the length of the report. For 2026–27, the NDIS price limit for occupational therapy is $193.99 per hour. At Adelaide Hills Neuropsychology, OT is $200 per hour privately and $193.99 per hour for self- and plan-managed NDIS participants, and FCAs are quoted upfront.
Frequently asked questions
Who can complete a functional capacity assessment?
FCAs are most commonly completed by occupational therapists, who are trained to assess how health conditions and disability affect everyday activities. Other allied health professionals may assess specific areas.
How much does an FCA cost?
It depends on the complexity and the report required. In 2026–27 the NDIS price limit for occupational therapy is $193.99 per hour. Our OT rate is $200 per hour privately, and we quote FCAs upfront.
Does the NDIS pay for an FCA?
Participants can usually use their plan’s capacity building funding for assessments that inform their supports, such as an FCA for a plan review. People applying to the NDIS for the first time usually fund evidence privately or through other systems — the NDIS doesn’t fund diagnostic assessments.
Sources
- National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth) — section 24 (disability requirements)
- NDIS — What is an Access Request Form? (evidence of disability)
- NDIS — Our Guideline: Mainstream and community supports (27 July 2026)
- NDIS — New price limits set for NDIS supports (2026–27)
This guide is general information only and isn’t a substitute for individual advice. Funding rules and rebates change — figures are current as at 2 October 2026.