What is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)?

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a detailed functional assessment that helps you and your support team understand how you manage daily activities at home, at work and in your community. It highlights what you can do independently, where you might need support, and how the right help can make life easier, safer and more fulfilling.

For people receiving NDIS funding, an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment provides clear evidence to show what level of support you need. It is an important part of the NDIS process for new applications, plan renewals, reviews or when your situation changes.

Your OT Functional Capacity Assessment will be carried out by a qualified Occupational Therapist who looks at your physical, cognitive, emotional and social wellbeing. We identify strengths, reduce barriers and make practical, easy-to-follow recommendations.

 

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At Total Health Choice, we take a whole-person approach. We listen carefully, focus on your goals and design supports that build confidence, independence and quality of life.

As an NDIS registered service provider, you can contact us directly to arrange your Functional Capacity Evaluation.

Clients receiving aged care support under the new Support at Home (SAH) program (previously Home Care Packages) can also access home or mobility assessments with our friendly team.

We respond within two hours and can usually book your assessment within 24 hours, because care should never have to wait.

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NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments Explained

What Does the Assessment Include?

A highly qualified Occupational Therapist will complete your functional capacity assessment in your chosen environment, usually your home, over around one to two hours. Each part of the process helps us build a clear and accurate picture of your everyday function, strengths and support needs.

Home Environment & Community

Your therapist will ask about your home and community setting to understand how you move around and complete daily routines. With your permission, they may take photos or measurements if equipment or home modifications could improve safety or independence. These details are included in your report with practical recommendations personalised to your home and lifestyle.

All Aspects of Healthcare

If you would benefit from other allied health supports, these will be clearly outlined in your report for NDIS review. Your therapist will explain each recommendation and make sure you understand why it has been suggested. This helps keep your care coordinated, clear and focused on what matters most to you.

Involving Consented Family/Carers

With your consent, family members, carers, support workers or your Support Coordinator can be involved in your functional assessment. Their input helps build a full picture of your strengths, challenges and daily routines. Including the people who know you best ensures the recommendations are realistic, person-centred and easy to follow.

Goals

You and your therapist will set meaningful short- and long-term goals together. These may include improving safety at home, increasing confidence or building independence in your community. In some cases, your goals may also be supported through Physiotherapy, especially if you’re working on mobility, strength or balance.

Detailed Documentation

Your therapist will carefully record all findings to create a comprehensive Functional Capacity Evaluation. The report summarises your abilities, outlines areas for growth and lists supports or equipment that can help. Written in plain English, it gives you and your support team a clear plan for moving forward.

Timeframes

Because the report is detailed and person-centred, it usually takes six hours to eight hours to complete. Once finalised, it will be shared with you and your nominated supports, such as family or your Support Coordinator. We will keep you updated at every step so the process feels transparent, supportive and efficient.

When is the Right Time for a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A Functional Capacity Assessment can be helpful at many points in your NDIS journey. You might consider one when:

  • You are preparing for an NDIS plan review or renewal and need updated evidence.
  • You are applying for the NDIS and need a detailed functional report.
  • There has been a change in your condition, circumstance or daily abilities.
  • You have new personal or community participation goals.
  • There is a dispute or appeal about your plan or supports.
  • You or your carers notice changes in mobility, safety or independence.
  • Your current supports are no longer meeting your needs.

Some participants may also require a Functional Behaviour Assessment or Functional Behaviour Assessment NDIS report to better understand behavioural patterns and personalise their support plans. Our team can help coordinate this alongside your FCA if needed.

People choose Total Health Choice because we lead with trust, compassion and care. Our experienced Occupational Therapists provide professional, prompt and person-centred reports that make decision-making easier.

We also believe in choice and control. You can select your preferred

What Happens After a NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment?

If you require ongoing Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology services to achieve your goals, Total Health Choice can provide continuity of care after the assessment and report are completed.

Our Occupational Therapists are qualified to help with:

  • Assistive technology (AT)
  • Environmental/ home modifications
  • Liaising with the NDIS for funding requests
  • Helping people mobilise and access the community

Why Choose Us

At Total Health Choice, we combine heart with quality care so referrers can trust our updates and families can trust our care.

With over 14 years of experience, a 50-person multidisciplinary team and 150+ five-star reviews, we are proud to be one of Melbourne’s most trusted mobile allied health providers.

We show up where life happens, across Melbourne’s south-east, north and west, communicating quickly and delivering reports that make NDIS and Aged Care decisions simpler.

Fast contact. Clear plans. Real progress.

Starting with Total Health Choice

We have experience completing assessments and reports and we pride ourselves on the written reports we present to our participants to assist them to gain the maximum benefits from their NDIS plan.

Our therapists have had in depth training and experience with NDIS and Home care Package clients and writing successful written reports.

We are dedicated to helping our participants achieve their goals by providing assessments and therapy supports.

We provide these supports for participants living with physical, neurological, and psychosocial disabilities. Please contact us here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)?

    A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a detailed functional assessment that looks at how you manage everyday activities in your home, workplace and community. It helps identify your strengths, any areas where you may need support, and practical steps to improve independence. An NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment provides clear evidence to help determine the level of support you are eligible for under the NDIS.

  • Who is responsible for completing an FCA, and what training do they hold?

    An OT Functional Capacity Assessment is completed by a qualified Occupational Therapist with the clinical training and experience to evaluate your physical, cognitive and psychosocial abilities. At Total Health Choice, all assessments are carried out by registered professionals who specialise in disability and aged-care support.

  • Which areas of function are reviewed as part of the assessment?

    Your functional capacity assessment reviews how you complete essential daily activities such as personal care, mobility, meal preparation, communication and community participation. The Occupational Therapist also considers home safety, assistive technology needs, social engagement and overall wellbeing. The goal is to create a full picture of your capabilities and the supports that can help you live more independently.

  • How long does the assessment usually run for?

    A functional capacity evaluation generally takes one to two hours, depending on your individual needs. Your Occupational Therapist may also take extra time to gather information from carers or family members and to prepare your final report, which usually takes six hours to complete.

  • Do I need a Functional Capacity Assessment for my NDIS plan?

    Many people require an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment to provide evidence for their application, plan review or renewal. It helps the NDIA understand your daily function and support needs so they can make informed decisions about your funding. Your Support Coordinator, planner or health professional may recommend an FCA if your circumstances or goals have changed.

  • What typically happens during the session itself?

    During the session, your therapist will talk with you about your daily routines and observe how you carry out certain activities. You may complete short tasks, answer questions about what is working well, and discuss where you need help. This process ensures your functional capacity evaluation reflects your real-life strengths and challenges.

  • Can I organise a Functional Capacity Assessment directly with a provider?

    Yes. You can contact Total Health Choice directly to book your functional capacity assessment. As an NDIS-registered service provider, we accept self-referrals as well as enquiries from Support Coordinators, Psychosocial Recovery Coach, support workers and families. We respond within two hours and can usually offer an appointment within 24 hours.

  • How should I prepare before attending an FCA?

    To make the most of your functional capacity assessment, think about your daily routine and any areas where you feel you need extra help. It can be useful to have recent medical reports, therapy notes or assistive equipment details ready or sent to the therapist for review prior to the appointment. You are also welcome to have a family member, carer or Support Coordinator present during your session.

  • Will the results of the assessment influence my NDIS funding?

    Yes. The outcomes of your NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment play a key role in informing your plan and funding decisions. The report highlights your current abilities, barriers to independence and the supports that will help you achieve your goals. In some cases, a Functional Behaviour Assessment or Functional Behaviour Assessment NDIS report may also be used to support funding for behaviour-related needs.

  • What’s the best way to arrange a Functional Capacity Assessment?

    You can book directly with Total Health Choice online or by phone. Our friendly team will match you with an experienced Occupational Therapist and find a time that suits you. We travel across Melbourne’s south-east, north and west, providing assessments in homes, schools and community settings.