When Should You Request a New Functional Capacity Assessment?

Depending on the participant’s circumstances, this may include:

An occupational therapist considers what a participant can do independently, what assistance they require and how environmental factors influence their functional performance.

The resulting report can provide clinical evidence to inform NDIS funding decisions and support planning.

• Personal care, including showering, dressing and toileting.
• Domestic activities, such as cooking, cleaning and laundry.
• Mobility, transfers and physical accessibility.
• Communication, cognition and decision-making.
• Social interaction and community participation.
• Emotional regulation and psychosocial functioning.
• Employment, education and meaningful activities.
• Safety, supervision and support requirements.

1. Your Disability-Related Support Needs Have Changed

A significant change in functional capacity is one of the clearest reasons to consider an updated assessment.

For example, a participant who previously managed personal care independently may now require assistance with showering, dressing or transfers.

Similarly, a participant experiencing changes in cognitive functioning may require additional support with medication routines, appointments, finances or community safety.

An updated FCA can document these changes and explain their practical impact on daily living.

2. Your Current NDIS Plan No Longer Meets Your Needs

Some participants find that their existing supports are insufficient to maintain safety, independence or meaningful community participation.

This can occur when the frequency, duration or complexity of support has increased.

An occupational therapist can examine the participant’s current routines, identify unmet disability-related needs and recommend an appropriate level of assistance.

An FCA does not automatically result in increased funding. It provides evidence that the NDIA can consider against the applicable funding criteria.

3. You Are Preparing for a Change in Living Arrangements

Moving from the family home into supported accommodation, transitioning into independent living or exploring specialist disability housing can create new support considerations.

An updated assessment may help identify:

For participants with complex support needs, an FCA may also contribute to further SIL, ILO or SDA assessment processes.

• Daily support requirements.
• Accessibility and environmental needs.
• Overnight assistance.
• Risks associated with living independently.
• Assistive technology requirements.
• Whether additional housing-related assessments are appropriate.

4. Your Informal Support Arrangements Have Changed

Family members, partners and friends frequently provide substantial unpaid assistance.

However, informal supports can change due to ageing, illness, employment commitments, family circumstances or carer fatigue.

If a participant has become increasingly dependent on informal assistance that can no longer be sustainably provided, an updated FCA can help document the participant’s functional needs and the assistance currently being provided.

5. You Have Experienced a Significant Hospital Admission or Health Event

A prolonged hospital admission, injury, surgery or significant change in health may affect mobility, endurance, cognition or the ability to complete daily tasks.

An occupational therapy assessment can help establish the participant’s current functional abilities and identify disability-related supports required after discharge.

It is important to distinguish ongoing disability supports from treatment and rehabilitation responsibilities that sit within the health system.

6. Your Previous Assessment No Longer Reflects Your Circumstances

An assessment completed several years ago may no longer describe your current functional abilities, living environment or support requirements.

There is no universal requirement for every NDIS participant to obtain a new FCA at a fixed interval.

The need for reassessment should be determined by whether existing evidence remains accurate and sufficient for the decision being considered.

How Can an Updated FCA Help?

A comprehensive assessment can provide evidence about the nature, frequency and intensity of support required.

It may also identify opportunities to improve independence through therapy, assistive technology, environmental modifications or changes in support delivery.

Where recommendations are made, they should be linked to the participant’s functional limitations, goals and disability-related needs.

Accessing Functional Capacity Assessments Across Australia

Today & Tomorrow Allied Health Services provides occupational therapy Functional Capacity Assessments through in-person, telehealth and hybrid service delivery arrangements, depending on clinical suitability and location.

Our assessment services are available to participants across Australia, including regional, rural and remote communities.

We offer a 10-business-day report turnaround following completion of the assessment and receipt of all required information, subject to the agreed service arrangements.

Need an updated Functional Capacity Assessment?

Contact Today & Tomorrow Allied Health Services through our website to discuss your circumstances or submit a referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment be updated?

There is no single mandatory interval. An updated assessment may be appropriate when functional needs or circumstances change, or when existing evidence is insufficient.

Can an FCA help with an NDIS plan reassessment?

Yes. An FCA can provide functional evidence to support a reassessment request, although the NDIA determines whether a reassessment or funding change is appropriate.

Can a Functional Capacity Assessment be completed by telehealth?

Some assessments can be completed using telehealth or hybrid methods. The OT must determine whether sufficient reliable information can be gathered remotely.