How to Prepare for Your NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment: A Complete Checklist

Step 1: Gather Relevant Documents

Before your appointment, it can be helpful to collect documents that explain your disability and current support arrangements.

These may include:

You do not need every document on this list. Your occupational therapist can advise which information is relevant.

• Your current NDIS plan.
• Relevant medical and specialist reports.
• Previous occupational therapy assessments.
• Physiotherapy or speech pathology reports.
• Behaviour support plans.
• Relevant incident or support records.
• Assistive technology information.
• Details of existing formal supports.

Step 2: Think About Your Typical Daily Routine

Consider what happens from the time you wake up until you go to bed.

Think about how you manage showering, dressing, meals, household activities, appointments and community participation.

It can help to describe which activities you complete independently and which require assistance.

For example, you may be physically capable of preparing food but require help planning meals, purchasing ingredients or remembering to eat.

These distinctions are important.

Step 3: Identify the Support You Currently Receive

Make a note of who assists you and what they do.

This may include paid support workers, family members, friends or other people within your support network.

Try to identify how frequently assistance is provided and what happens when that assistance is unavailable.

The assessment should reflect your actual functional needs rather than assuming you are independent because tasks are currently being completed.

Step 4: Consider Activities You Find Difficult

Think about tasks that take significantly longer than expected, cause fatigue, create safety concerns or cannot be completed consistently.

Examples may include:

It is important to describe both good days and difficult days, particularly where functional abilities fluctuate.

• Getting in and out of the shower.
• Managing stairs.
• Preparing meals.
• Remembering appointments.
• Managing household responsibilities.
• Accessing public transport.
• Communicating in unfamiliar environments.
• Participating in community activities.

Step 5: Identify Your Goals

Consider what you would like to achieve.

Your goals might include living more independently, accessing the community, returning to employment, improving personal care or reducing reliance on family members.

An occupational therapist can consider how your current functional limitations affect your ability to work towards these goals.

Step 6: Invite Relevant Support People

Depending on your circumstances, you may wish to have a family member, support worker, support coordinator or other trusted person involved.

They may help explain everyday support requirements or provide additional information about your routine.

Participation should occur with your consent and in a way that respects your preferences.

Step 7: Be Accurate About Your Abilities

One of the most important parts of an FCA is providing an accurate description of your functioning.

You do not need to exaggerate your difficulties or minimise the support you require.

If you can complete an activity independently on some days but require substantial assistance on others, explain that variation.

If a task is completed only because someone else organises, prompts or physically assists you, describe the assistance involved.

This helps the occupational therapist develop a realistic picture of your needs.

What Happens During the Assessment?

The occupational therapist may complete interviews, functional observations, standardised assessments and a review of relevant documentation.

The assessment method depends on your circumstances and the purpose of the report.

Some assessments can be completed through telehealth, while others require in-person observations or a combination of both.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Following the appointment, the occupational therapist reviews the information collected and prepares the report.

The report may outline functional abilities, limitations, current supports, risks and recommendations.

Where relevant, recommendations should explain the relationship between the participant’s disability, identified needs and proposed assistance.

Functional Capacity Assessments With a 10-Business-Day Report Turnaround

Today & Tomorrow Allied Health Services provides detailed occupational therapy Functional Capacity Assessments for NDIS participants across Australia.

We offer telehealth, in-person and hybrid assessment arrangements depending on clinical suitability and service availability.

Our 10-business-day report turnaround offering applies following completion of the assessment and receipt of the necessary documentation, subject to the agreed service arrangements.

Ready to organise your Functional Capacity Assessment?

Visit Today & Tomorrow Allied Health Services to submit a referral or discuss the assessment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Functional Capacity Assessment take?

The time required depends on the complexity of the participant’s needs, assessment methods and supporting information.

Can my support coordinator attend?

Yes, with your consent, a support coordinator may participate where appropriate.

What if I forget important information during the appointment?

Discuss this with your occupational therapist. Additional information may be provided after the appointment where necessary.

Can an FCA be completed by telehealth?

Yes, where telehealth is clinically appropriate and sufficient evidence can be collected.