How Much Does a Functional Capacity Assessment Cost?
There's no set price for a functional capacity assessment. Practices charge by the hour, and for NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants an occupational therapist can charge up to $193.99 an hour in 2026-27 (more in remote areas). The total depends on how long the assessment and report take, which the NDIS says can be anywhere from 1 to 10 hours.
What Are the NDIS Price Limits for an FCA?
They're the hourly limits for the professional doing it, set in the NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27, effective 24 September 2026.
| Item | Most of Australia | Remote | Very remote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct service, per hour | $193.99 | $271.59 | $290.99 |
| Telehealth, per hour | $193.99 | $271.59 | $290.99 |
| NDIA requested reports, per hour | $193.99 | $271.59 | $290.99 |
| Non-face-to-face, per hour | $193.99 | $271.59 | $290.99 |
| Provider travel, per hour | $97.00 | $135.80 | $145.50 |
Remote and very remote prices depend on where the support is delivered, using the Modified Monash Model (MM 6 and MM 7) and the NDIA's isolated towns list. Physiotherapists and psychologists have their own limits in the same schedule. Prices change, so always check the current NDIS pricing arrangements.
What Adds to the Cost of an FCA?
Mostly time: the assessment itself, travel, and writing the report.
- Time with the person, which the NDIS says can be 1 to 10 hours depending on the professional and the disability
- Report writing, claimed as non-face-to-face time or as an NDIA requested report when the NDIA asked for it, if agreed in advance
- Travel to the person's home or community, capped at half the hourly rate for therapists
- Reading existing reports and talking with other professionals
- Short notice cancellations, if agreed in the service agreement (short notice means less than 2 clear business days)
Ask for an estimate in writing
Before the assessment starts, ask the practice how many hours they expect, what's included, whether the report is extra, and what travel will cost. Put it in a service agreement.
Need a Functional Capacity Assessment?
We'll connect you with an occupational therapy practice that does FCAs and may have space.
Which NDIS Budget Pays for an FCA?
Usually capacity building, in the improved daily living category, which funds assessments, training and therapies.
Capacity building funding is stated, which means it can only be spent on the supports described in that category, and only on supports from the NDIS supports lists. Sometimes the NDIA includes funding specifically to assess a need, for example home and living needs or home modifications. If you're not sure there's enough funding, ask your plan manager or support coordinator before booking.
What If You're Not on the NDIS Yet?
Then there's no plan to pay from, so an FCA for an access request is usually paid privately.
The NDIS price limits only bind NDIA-managed and plan-managed funding, so private fees are up to the practice. Remember an FCA isn't required to apply: existing reports and letters from treating professionals may be enough, and an NDIS partner can help you work out what evidence you have.
Questions People Ask
Does the NDIS pay for functional capacity assessments?
For participants, usually yes, from improved daily living in the capacity building budget. For first-time applicants there's no plan yet, so it's usually paid privately.
How much does an OT charge per hour under the NDIS?
Up to $193.99 an hour in most of Australia under the 2026-27 Pricing Schedule, $271.59 in remote and $290.99 in very remote areas, for NDIA-managed and plan-managed funding.
Why do FCA prices vary so much?
Because they're charged by the hour, and the time needed depends on the person, the disability, travel and how detailed the report has to be.
Can I be charged for the report?
Report writing can be claimed when the item allows it and you've agreed in advance, usually in the service agreement. Ask how it's charged before you start.
Keep Reading
- OT functional capacity assessmentsWhy occupational therapists do most NDIS functional capacity assessments, what an OT FCA involves, what it can lead to, and the OT price limit for 2026-27.
- The FCA reportWhat goes in an FCA report for the NDIS: the details the NDIA looks for, how recommendations should be written, and what to check before the report is sent.
- How long an FCA takesHow long a functional capacity assessment takes: the NDIS range of 1 to 10 hours, what makes it longer, how the time is split and what to ask first.
- Telehealth FCAsCan a functional capacity assessment be done by telehealth? What works online, what needs a visit, the NDIS rules for telehealth and how to prepare.
- FCAs and the NDISHow the NDIA uses a functional capacity assessment: access requests, plan supports, reassessments, home and living and reviews.
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