What is a Functional Capacity Assessment for NDIS?

Understanding the NDIS can feel overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to assessments, reports and plans. The NDIS currently uses Functional Capacity Assessments to look at how a person manages everyday tasks. But what does a Functional Capacity Assessment actually mean and how does it help you or the person you care for?

We asked Jodi Perkin, JP Trusted Advisor’s Director and Specialist Support Coordinator to answer our most frequently asked questions about Functional Capacity Assessments. Jodi shares her insights from supporting hundreds of NDIS participants through this process as a Specialist Support Coordinator.

What does functional capacity mean?

“When determining the types of supports and services a NDIS participant needs to live their life the way they choose and help them meet their goals, the NDIS looks at how a person manages everyday tasks, not just their diagnosis. This is called functional capacity,” explains Jodi Perkin, JP Trusted Advisor’s Director and Specialist Support Coordinator.

“Functional capacity can look at how you communicate, move around, look after yourself, manage your daily routines, learn new things, take part in your community and if you work and play an active role socially.

“The NDIS wants to understand what supports you need, what barriers you may face and what devices, services or assistance would help you build more independence, comfort and safety in your day to day life.”

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a detailed assessment usually completed by an Occupational Therapist. However, in some cases other allied health professionals or medical specialists can also be involved in the assessment process.

“A FCA looks at your day to day life,” says Jodi. “An assessment can include what you can do independently, what you need assistance with, how safe it is for you to complete daily activities and what supports, tools or services would help you.

“The goal of a FCA is to understand what support is reasonable and necessary for you to life the life you choose,” says Jodi.

“Even with the new I-CAN Assessment tool expected to be rolled out mid 2026, a Functional Capacity Assessment will still play an important role. A FCA will help guide therapy goals, support planning decisions and ensure participants get the right mix of supports and services.”

Will Functional Capacity Assessments still be used once the new NDIS I-CAN Assessment Tool is rolled out?

“As of right now, the NDIS has announced changes, including the roll out of the I- CAN Assessment tool mid 2026, however there is currently no confirmed timeline for when it will begin and when or how it will replace existing assessments.

“Until the new assessment process is in place entirely, Functional Capacity Assessments are still one of the best ways to demonstrate someone’s functional need. They are also incredibly valuable to therapists when they are setting goals and delivering supports,” explains Jodi.

“For the moment, FCAs remain helpful for accessing NDIS funds needed by participants to support their day to day living, these assessments are also important for plan reviews, are essential for guiding therapy goals, are widely used by occupational therapists and are trusted by support coordinators and planners.”

When should a Functional Capacity Assessment be completed?

“You may need a Functional Capacity Assessment when you are applying to access the NDIS, your plan is due for review, your support needs have changed, you are not getting the right level of funding, your goals have shifted or when you need specific evidence for equipment or home modifications,” explains Jodi.

“At JP Trusted Advisor, we often recommend to our client’s to have a FCA completed when they are consistently under funded, they are needing more therapy support, they require specialised equipment, they need evidence of daily living challenges or they are preparing early for a plan review.”

What are the six NDIS areas of functional capacity that are reviewed as part of the assessment?

As part of a Functional Capacity Assessment, the NDIS reviews functional capacity through six main areas which include:

1. Mobility – how you move around safely and independently

2. Communication – how you express yourself and understand others

3. Social interaction – how you relate to people and form relationships with others

4. Learning – how you process information, problem solve and remember

5. Self-care – how you look after yourself and complete daily tasks including personal hygiene, getting dressed and eating

6. Self-management – how you organise your life, routines and daily decisions

“These six areas come from the WHO International Classification of Functioning (ICF), which is a global framework used to understand disability, environment and daily functioning,” says Jodi. “When assessing functional capacity, the NDIS also takes into account multiple factors to help ensure decisions reflect a person’s real world experience. These factors include capacity or what you can do in an ideal situation, performance or what you do in real life, environmental factors or barriers or supports and impairments or your disability and its impact.

What can I expect from a Functional Capacity Assessment and what does it include?

A FCA is usually completed by an occupational therapist at your home, or sometimes it can be completed in a clinic or community location and may include:

- A conversation about your goals and daily life

- Questions about tasks you find easy, difficult or unsafe

- Observations of how you complete certain activities

- Assessments of your physical, emotional and cognitive abilities

- Identifying risks, challenges and supports

- Reviewing any equipment you already use

- Understanding your home environment

- Discussions with your support network, if you choose to have them with you during the assessment

Every assessment is different, as different people have different needs, but usually a report will include your:

- Background information

- Daily routines

- Assessment results

- Challenges and barriers

- Strengths and abilities

- Environmental factors

- Impact of disability

- Recommended supports and services

- Therapy goals

- Assistive technology recommendations

- Home modification suggestions, if required

- Capacity building strategies

“A Functional Capacity Assessment is more than just a report,” says Jodi. “When it is done well, it gives everyone involved a shared understanding and a direction to work towards. It becomes a roadmap that helps guide your supports, services and goals in a meaningful way to you.”

How can JP Trusted Advisor support me when I am going through the Functional Capacity Assessment process?

“Understanding your functional capacity is the foundation to good planning. With the right assessment, Functional Capacity Assessments can play a valuable role in helping the NDIS understand your needs, goals and daily experiences.

“At JP Trusted Advisor, we are here to help you throughout your NDIS journey. Our support coordinators and specialist support coordinators work alongside our clients, their families and carers to help identify when a FCA is needed, we can connect you with trusted, qualified providers, help you prepare for your assessment, help you gather any additional information you may need, make sure your goals are clearly communicated and use the report to advocate for the right supports in your plan.”

If you have any questions or if you’d like help preparing for a Functional Capacity Assessment please speak to your JPTA Support Coordinator or Specialist Support Coordinator or email us