Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the most common questions about NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments and our service.
What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?+
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a structured clinical evaluation performed by a qualified clinician — usually an Occupational Therapist — that documents how a person’s disability affects everyday functioning. It is the most commonly requested piece of evidence for NDIS plan reassessments, SIL applications, SDA applications and high-cost AT.
How long does an FCA report take?+
FCA Reports Australia issues all standard Functional Capacity Assessments within 7 business days of the final clinical interview. Urgent 3–5 business day turnarounds are available on request.
Are your assessments truly accepted by the NDIA?+
Yes. Our reports are written specifically against the six reasonable and necessary criteria and the eight NDIS functional domains. Our reports have an extremely high rate of full funding approval at first submission.
Do you assess participants Australia-wide?+
Yes. We are a 100% virtual service, with assessments conducted via Zoom, Microsoft Teams or telephone. We service every state and territory in Australia, including remote and very remote postcodes.
Do you accept NDIA managed, plan managed and self managed participants?+
Yes — we accept all three management types. NDIA managed services are delivered through our registered provider entity.
What if my participant has complex behaviours or psychosocial disability?+
Our clinicians specialise in complex disability — including psychosocial disability, ABI, autism, intellectual disability and dual diagnosis. We use validated tools including the CANS, HoNOS, LSP-16 and WHODAS 2.0 where clinically indicated.
How much does a Functional Capacity Assessment cost?+
FCA Reports Australia bills under the NDIS Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living line item using current NDIS price guide rates. Plan managed, self managed and NDIA managed participants are all accepted.
Can the assessment really be done virtually?+
Yes. Research and NDIA guidance both support virtual clinical assessment when conducted by a suitably qualified clinician with appropriate collateral. We use Zoom, Teams or phone, and supplement the interview with support worker observation, photos and home walk-throughs where relevant.
How quickly will I receive the report?+
Reports are issued within 7 business days of the final interview, provided all collateral documents have been received. Urgent turnarounds (3–5 business days) are available on request.
Will the NDIA accept your report?+
Yes. Our reports are written specifically against the NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria and the functional domains used in NDIA decision-making. We have an extremely high rate of funding approval on submitted reports.
Do you assess children, psychosocial disability and complex cases?+
Yes. Our clinicians have specific training in paediatric assessment, psychosocial disability and complex co-morbidities including ABI, autism, intellectual disability and degenerative neurological conditions.
Is STA the same as respite?+
Respite is one use of STA. STA is the broader NDIS funding category that funds accommodation plus 24/7 support — respite for carers is one valid use, but STA can also be used for trial stays, crisis support and skill development.
How long can an STA stay be?+
Up to 14 days per stay, with the total annual amount based on the participant’s assessed need and goals.
Do you provide STA providers?+
No, we are independent assessors only. We do not provide STA accommodation. This independence strengthens the evidentiary value of our reports for the NDIA.
Can I apply for ILO if I already have SIL?+
Yes — many participants transition from SIL to ILO. The ILO Stage 1 funding is specifically designed to explore whether ILO is a better fit.
How long is the ILO assessment?+
Stage 1 reports typically take 4–6 weeks of design work followed by a written report. Standard FCA components are completed within our normal 7 business day turnaround.
Do you provide SIL services as well?+
No, we are independent assessors only. We never provide SIL services, which keeps our reports impartial.
How long is a typical SIL report?+
Our SIL reports average 45–70 pages and include a fully costed Roster of Care.
Do you use validated tools?+
Yes — depending on the clinical question, we draw from the PIRS, LSP-16, HoNOS, WHODAS 2.0 and the K10.
Do you supply AT?+
No — we are independent assessors and prescribers only.