What is a functional capacity assessment, and when do you need one?

The short version

A functional capacity assessment (FCA) is a structured evaluation by an occupational therapist of how your disability affects your ability to manage everyday life. It produces a report that describes what you can do, where you need support, and what supports would make a difference.

What the OT assesses

• Mobility and physical function
• Personal care: showering, dressing, eating
• Domestic tasks: cooking, cleaning, shopping
• Communication, learning and cognition
• Social interaction and psychosocial wellbeing
• Work, study and community participation
• Your living arrangements and the supports you already use

How it's done

Usually two to three hours, often at home so the OT sees your real environment. The OT will talk with you (and family or support workers if you wish), observe you doing tasks, and may use standardised questionnaires. The written report typically follows within two to three weeks.

When you need one

• Applying for the NDIS, as functional evidence
• Before a plan review or reassessment, especially if your needs have changed
• When requesting assistive technology, home modifications, SIL or SDA
• When moving between providers and a current baseline is needed

What makes a good report

Planners want clear, evidence-based recommendations tied to your goals and to the NDIS's reasonable-and-necessary criteria. A good FCA avoids jargon, quantifies support needs (for example, hours of assistance per week) and explains why each recommendation matters.