NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment

An NDIS-funded FCA that actually works for your participant.

CARED's occupational therapists specialise in NDIS FCAs. Our detailed, evidence-based assessments secure the funding and supports your participants genuinely need. Plan-managed and self-managed welcome. 

NDIS registered
Experienced OTs
Telehealth & face-to-face
One referral. Eight services.

A weak FCA costs more than
you think

“You've done everything right.”

Then the plan comes back underfunded – and you're left wondering why. Most of the time, it comes down to the FCA. A generic, templated, or rushed assessment leaves critical needs invisible to the NDIA. And once the plan is approved, fighting it takes months.

Our OTs know exactly what the NDIA needs to see to fund the support your participant actually requires.

Plan reviews happen on a fixed cycle. If you miss this window with an inadequate FCA, your participant could be underfunded for another 12 months or more.

Funding Falls Short When Your FCA Does

This is how you get it right. Get your free guide to Functional Capacity Assessments.
Learn how the right FCA can unlock the funding you actually need
A clear breakdown of what happens during the assessment - step by step
Understand how your FCA shapes your plan before your next review
Get the Free Guide

When you refer to , for an FCA, you unlock an entire allied health team

Most FCA providers stop at the assessment. CARED is different. One referral connects your participant to eight specialist services - so when the OT identifies a speech or psychology need, that support is already in the room.

No re-referrals. No repeating the story.
Coordinated, compassionate care under one roof.
Ready to refer a participant?
Unlock the full allied health team in one referral.

What makes a CARED FCA different

Not all FCAs are created equal. An NDIA-ready assessment goes far beyond a checklist - it tells the full story of how a disability impacts daily life, and makes a clear, justified case for every dollar of support requested.

Specific, not generic
We document real examples. No more, 'participant requires support with daily tasks', but instead we ask: what tasks, how often, and with what level of assistance.
Linked to NDIS goals
Every recommendation is tied directly to the participant's stated goals and the relevant support category.
Risk and functional impact
We document what happens without support - including safety risks, carer burnout, and impact across all life domains.
Justified budgets
Funding requests include frequency, rationale, and evidence - so the NDIA can approve, not query.

Common red flags in FCAs that lead to underfunded plans: 

x
Vague language with no participant-specific examples or support rationale
x
No link between recommendations and the participant's NDIS goals
x
Missing risk assessment or consequences of not receiving support
x
Focuses only on best - day functioning, not real-day variability
See the difference for your next participant
Get a CARED FCA that stands up at plan review.

What a FCA covers

Our OTs assess functional capacity across every life domain the NDIA evaluates - producing a comprehensive, evidence-based report that stands up at plan review.

Mobility and physical function–movement in home and community
Self-care - personal hygiene, dressing, eating, toileting
Communication - expression, comprehension, AAC needs
Self-management - medications, finances, scheduling
Learning and cognition - memory, concentration, following instructions
Social interaction and emotional regulation
Home environment and safety risk assessment
Recommendations by support category (Core, Capacity Building, Capital)
Justification for SIL, SDA, assistive technology, and home modifications
Support Coordinator Tip
Submit your FCA referral at least 6-8 weeks before a plan review. CARED can fast-track urgent referrals - ask us about availability.
Got an upcoming plan review?
Lock in a CARED FCA - fast-track options available.

OTs who know the NDIS inside out

Our occupational therapists have specialist experience in NDIS assessments across a wide range of disabilities, ages, and living situations. They take the time to understand the participant - not just complete a form.

FCAs across Australia. No matter where your participant lives

With face-to-face in multiple locations across Australia and telehealth available nationwide, CARED supports NDIS participants wherever they are - from our cities to Australia's remotest locations.

cared map

What support coordinators and participants say

"I've worked with alot of OTs and CARED's FCAs are genuinely the most thorough I've seen. The detail in the report made the NDIA's decision easy. My participant got everything we asked for."
Support Coordinator
Sydney
“After two previous assessments that didn't capture what my daughter actually needs, CARED spent real time with her. The report finally reflected her life - and the plan finally reflects her needs."
Parent of NDIS participant
Melbourne
"The turnaround was fast, the OT was easy to work with, and the report was exactly what we needed heading into the plan review. I'll be referring all my SIL clients here."
Support Coordinator
Brisbane

FAQs

Is CARED a registered NDIS provider?
How quickly can you complete an FCA?
Which funding category covers an FCA?
Can you complete an FCA for a plan review as well as a new plan?
Can a support coordinator refer directly?

Three steps to a funded plan

1
Submit a referral or book a discovery call
Tell us about the participant and the upcoming planning milestones. Takes 5 minutes.
2
We match and schedule
We assign an OT with relevant specialisation and schedule around the participant's availability – face-to-face or telehealth.
3
Receive a report built to fund
A comprehensive, NDIA-ready FCA-plus access to our full allied health team if further supports are identified.

Your participant's plan review
won't wait

Every underfunded plan is a missed opportunity to give someone the support they genuinely need. CARED's FCAs are built to fix that.
Let's get started.