Occupational Therapy Functional Capacity Assessments
An OT functional capacity assessment is an NDIS FCA done by an Ahpra-registered occupational therapist. OTs focus on how people manage everyday activities, so they're often the first choice. An OT FCA usually covers self-care, mobility, home and community tasks and routines, and its recommendations can feed into therapy, assistive technology, home modifications and home and living supports.
Why Do Occupational Therapists Do so Many FCAs?
Because an FCA is about daily activities, and daily activities are what occupational therapy is about.
The NDIS lists occupational therapists first among the professionals who do FCAs. The NDIA also turns to OTs for related evidence: it says home and living evidence should come from a relevant treating health professional such as an occupational therapist, and that minor and complex home modification assessments must be done by a qualified occupational therapist.
What Does an OT FCA Involve?
Usually an interview, observation of everyday tasks, standardised assessments and a written report with recommendations.
- A conversation about goals, daily routines, what's hard and what help is in place now
- Watching tasks in context, such as getting ready in the morning, preparing a meal or getting into the community
- Standardised tools suited to the person's age and disability, such as WHODAS 2.0 or PEDI-CAT where the NDIA lists them
- Talking with family, carers, support workers or other professionals, with consent
- A written report that explains functional capacity in each area and recommends supports
Need a Functional Capacity Assessment?
We'll connect you with an occupational therapy practice that does FCAs and may have space.
What Can an OT FCA Lead To?
The recommendations often point to other supports the NDIA can consider.
- Ongoing occupational therapy or other therapies to build skills
- Assistive technology, which may need its own AT assessment
- Home modifications, which need a home modification assessment by a qualified OT
- Home and living supports such as supported independent living (SIL), individualised living options or specialist disability accommodation (SDA)
- A level of support worker help that matches what the person actually needs each day
How Much Does an OT Charge for an FCA?
For NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants, no more than the NDIA's hourly price limit for occupational therapy.
Under the NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27, effective 24 September 2026, the price limit for an occupational therapist is $193.99 an hour in most of Australia, $271.59 in remote areas and $290.99 in very remote areas. The same hourly limit applies to report writing the NDIA requests and to telehealth. The total depends on how many hours the assessment and report take, so ask for an estimate first. Our page on what an FCA costs explains the rules.
Questions People Ask
Do I need a referral to see an OT for an FCA?
You can usually contact a practice yourself, or a support coordinator can refer you. Ask the practice if they need anything from your doctor first.
Can my current OT do the FCA?
Often, yes, and the NDIS says evidence from a professional who knows you well is helpful. Check they do FCAs for the purpose you need.
Is an OT FCA paid from core or capacity building?
Usually capacity building, under improved daily living, which funds assessments, training and therapies including occupational therapy.
Can an OT FCA be done by telehealth?
Parts of it can, when that's appropriate and agreed in advance. Observing everyday tasks usually works best in person.
Keep Reading
- Who can do an FCAWho can do an NDIS functional capacity assessment: OTs, physiotherapists, psychologists and specialists.
- What an FCA costsWhat a functional capacity assessment costs: the 2026-27 NDIS hourly price limit for OTs, what adds hours, which budget pays and how to get an estimate.
- 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.
- 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.
- FCA for AT and home modificationsHow a functional capacity assessment relates to NDIS assistive technology and home modification assessments: who does each and what they cover.
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