What is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)
- Teena Mogler
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 31
At Balance Centre for Mental Health, we know how overwhelming it can feel to navigate support systems like the NDIS, especially when it comes to providing the right evidence to access the support you need. That’s where Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) come in.
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive, person-centred assessment that paints a clear picture of how your disability impacts everyday life.
It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about honouring your lived experience and making sure that the supports in your NDIS plan reflect your actual needs.
What Does an FCA Assess?
The purpose of an FCA is to assess your ability to carry out daily activities with or without support. We look at how impairments interact with your environment and life circumstances.
This includes exploring:
Communication
Mobility
Social Interaction
Social Participation
Self-Care
Learning
Self-Management
Economic Participation
These areas are viewed through a holistic lens, considering co-occurring conditions, mental health, access to community, and the informal supports in your life. The outcome is a detailed, evidence-based report that gives the NDIS a real understanding of your functional capacity and the types of support that will help you thrive.
How Does the Assessment Work?
At Balance Centre, we make the process as supportive and collaborative as possible. Here's what it typically looks like:
Initial Session – We start with a warm conversation, either in person or via telehealth. We’ll talk about what brought you here, what supports you're looking for, and how we can work together.
Gathering Information – We may ask you to complete some questionnaires to help us understand your everyday experiences. We’ll also explore areas like toileting, mobility, emotional wellbeing, sensory needs, communication, social relationships, and managing day-to-day tasks.
Home or Telehealth Visit – We’ll spend time observing and discussing how you function in your home and community. This might involve looking at how you access transport, cook, study, regulate emotions, or maintain relationships.
Reports and Evidence – We also take into account previous assessments and any other documentation you can provide. All this information helps create a full picture of your needs.
Comprehensive Report – After gathering everything we need, we write a report that aligns with NDIS guidelines. This includes strengths, areas of need, and recommendations for support. You’ll receive a full copy of the report, and we’ll review it with you if any changes are needed.
Download our FREE FCA Prep Pack from the resource shop below:
Who Can Complete an FCA?
While many people assume that only Occupational Therapists can conduct FCAs, that’s not the case.
Under the NDIS, several professionals are approved to complete these assessments:
Social Workers
Occupational Therapists
Psychologists
Developmental Educators
At Balance Centre, our social workers are not only experienced in functional assessments—they’re also trained in trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming, and person-centred practice. We specialise in FCAs for psychosocial disabilities, autism, FASD, and intellectual disabilities. Our approach is empathetic, evidence-based, and shaped by your goals.
Timeframes and Considerations
An FCA typically takes between 2 to 8 weeks from the time a signed service agreement is received. This timeframe depends on factors like:
Your availability
The time of year (e.g. holiday periods)
Completion of assessments and questionnaires
Communication and interpreter needs
The emotional energy required to complete the process
If you have a time-sensitive deadline, please let us know when you first get in touch
Beyond FCAs: The Social Work Toolkit
Functional Capacity Assessments are one part of the broader work we do. Our social workers also provide biopsychosocial assessments that look at how emotional, physical, and social factors interact in your life. These assessments are helpful when exploring mental health needs, trauma recovery, disability access, or community participation.
Whether we’re working on an FCA or another type of assessment, our approach is always the same: holistic, respectful, and guided by your voice.
Can Social Workers Really Do FCAs?
Absolutely. Social workers—particularly those accredited in mental health—are recognised by the NDIS as appropriate professionals to complete FCAs. We are trained in assessing psychosocial capacity, functioning, and developmental needs, especially for individuals experiencing complex life circumstances.
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) affirms that functional assessment is a core part of social work's scope, particularly when addressing mental health, trauma, and disability.
When you work with a social worker at Balance Centre, you're working with someone who sees the full context of your life, not just a diagnosis or a list of tasks. We listen, we collaborate, and we advocate with and for you.
Download our FREE FCA Prep Pack from the resource shop below:
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