What Is a Functional Capacity Assessment? A Guide for NDIS Participants in Shoalhaven and Illawarra

Client journey

If you’re an NDIS participant or a support coordinator in the Shoalhaven or Illawarra regions, chances are you’ve heard of a Functional Capacity Assessment—but what exactly is it, and why is it so important?

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, we provide detailed, NDIS-compliant Functional Capacity Assessments to help participants access the funding, supports, and services they need to live safely and independently. Whether you’re applying for your first plan or preparing for a plan reassessment, this report can make a significant impact.

What Is a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a detailed report written by an allied health professional—usually an occupational therapist—that outlines your abilities, challenges, and support needs across key areas of daily life.

This report helps the NDIS determine:

• What you can do independently

• What areas you need help with

• What supports or funding may be required to reach your goals

What Does the Report Cover?

Our FCAs are comprehensive and tailored to each client. We assess functional ability in areas such as:

• Personal care (showering, dressing, toileting)

• Mobility and transfers (getting in/out of bed, moving around home or community)

• Communication (where applicable in joint assessments with speech pathology)

• Cognitive function (planning, memory, decision-making)

• Social participation and emotional regulation

• Domestic tasks (cooking, cleaning, shopping)

• Community access and transport

• Capacity to manage appointments, finances, or medications

We also include recommendations for support hours, therapies, assistive technology, home modifications, and support worker tasks based on your functional needs.

Who Needs a Functional Capacity Assessment?

You may benefit from an FCA if you are:

• Applying for the NDIS for the first time

• Preparing for a plan reassessment or review

• Requesting a change of circumstances

• Seeking funding for increased support hours, therapy, AT, or home modifications

• Living with a new diagnosis or change in your condition

• A participant with psychosocial disability, autism, intellectual disability, neurological, or physical conditions

What’s the Process?

Here’s how we conduct FCAs for clients in Shoalhaven and Illawarra:

1. Initial Intake

We gather background information, your goals, and details of your current NDIS plan or application.

2. Assessment Appointment

A therapist will visit you at home or in-clinic to observe how you complete daily tasks and discuss your needs in detail. This session is friendly, respectful, and client-led.

3. Collaboration with Your Team

We connect with your support coordinator, GP, or other providers (if needed) to ensure the report reflects your full circumstances.

4. Report Writing

Our OTs prepare a detailed, structured report with recommendations for support hours, therapy frequency, assistive technology, and services to match your goals.

5. Delivery and Review

Once finalised, we send the report to you and/or your support team, ready for submission to the NDIS.

What Makes Our Reports Different?

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, we pride ourselves on:

• NDIS-compliant, evidence-based reporting

• Clear justification for requested supports

• Fast turnaround times (priority reports available)

• Friendly therapists who understand local needs

• Collaborative approach with support coordinators and plan managers

Our goal is to advocate for the right supports, at the right time, tailored to each individual.

Areas We Serve

We provide functional capacity assessments across:

• Shoalhaven: Nowra, Ulladulla, Bomaderry, Berry, and surrounding areas

• Illawarra: Shellharbour, Kiama, Albion Park, Wollongong, and beyond

Assessments can take place at your home, in clinic, or via telehealth, depending on your location and preference.

Ready to Book a Functional Capacity Assessment?

If you or your client needs a Functional Capacity Assessment to support an NDIS plan application or review, our experienced team is here to help.

Contact South Coast Therapy & Support Group today to learn more or to book an assessment with one of our occupational therapists.

Together, we can help you access the supports you need to live a safe, independent, and empowered life.