Functional Capacity Assessments
A functional capacity assessment documents how a disability or condition affects everyday function. Our occupational therapists complete these regularly, most often within the NDIS, and the underlying approach applies across every scheme we work with.
We work with a diverse population across physical, psychological and cognitive presentations. Dual disability and clinical complexity are often referred to us because of our team’s experience levels. Our functional assessments are for people aged 16 and over.
When you might need one
- applying to access the NDIS, where evidence of functional impairment is required
- an NDIS plan review, to evidence and give clinical oversight of the supports being requested
- a change in function, where the NDIA needs to understand your current presentation and needs, including moves towards Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) or Individualised Living Options (ILO)
What to expect
The assessment takes place in familiar surroundings, such as your home, a day program or your workplace.
- A consultation of 60 to 90 minutes, alongside collaboration with any relevant supports such as your support coordinator, family or support worker. A second visit is sometimes needed where essential information cannot be gathered in one session.
- Report writing, setting out findings on equipment and service needs. The report is sent to anyone you consent to. NDIS documentation needs to be extensive, so our questions and observations are detailed.
Alongside questions and observation, we use standardised assessments. We aim to run the assessment in a friendly way that captures you as a person, the disability itself, and any gaps in the information available.
What the report supports
- functional support needs, including equipment and services
- clinical understanding of the disability
- general understanding of the client, including informal supports and individual presentation
- multi-disciplinary collaboration, with reports shared where consent allows
Funding
We accept self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Functional assessments typically involve five to ten hours of OT time, though this varies with complexity, so pricing is best discussed directly. Where NDIS access has not been granted, we work to balance cost and documentation to a sustainable level. See our funding and fees page for full details.
Common questions
How long does a functional capacity assessment take?
The consultation itself is usually 60 to 90 minutes. A second visit is sometimes needed where the necessary information cannot be gathered in one session. Including report writing, we generally allow five to ten hours of OT time in total.
Where does the assessment happen?
In familiar surroundings, which usually means your home, but it can also be a day program or a workplace. Seeing you in the environment you actually use is what makes the assessment accurate.
When do I need a functional capacity assessment?
Commonly when applying to access the NDIS and evidence of functional impairment is required, at a plan review to evidence the supports being requested, or when your function changes and the NDIA needs to understand your current needs, including for SIL, SDA or ILO.
What does the report cover?
Functional support needs including equipment and services, a clinical understanding of the disability, background on your informal supports and presentation, and recommendations. The report is sent to anyone you consent to, and we encourage sharing it with your wider team.
What does it cost?
Functional assessments vary considerably in the detail required, so pricing is best discussed directly. NDIS work is billed under the NDIS pricing arrangements. We accept self-managed and plan-managed participants. Where NDIS access has not yet been granted, we work to balance cost and documentation sustainably.