https://fcareportsaustralia.com.au/static/js/569.28a77c02.chunk.js

1"use strict";(self.webpackChunkfrontend=self.webpackChunkfrontend||[]).push([[569],{569(e,a,i){i.d(a,{C:()=>n,v:()=>t});const t={"how-much-does-an-fca-cost":{slug:"how-much-does-an-fca-cost",path:"/learn/how-much-does-an-fca-cost",title:"How Much Does a Functional Capacity Assessment Cost?",metaTitle:"How Much Does a Functional Capacity Assessment Cost? (2026) | FCA Reports Australia",metaDesc:"Transparent NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment pricing. $2,910 inc. GST for a peer-reviewed FCA report delivered Australia-wide by telehealth in 5 business days.",h1:"How Much Does a Functional Capacity Assessment Cost?",intro:"Cost is the first question most participants, families and Support Coordinators ask about an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment \u2014 and it should be. Here is exactly what an FCA costs at FCA Reports Australia, what is included, how the NDIS funds it, and what we don't charge for.",keywords:["functional capacity assessment cost","FCA report cost","NDIS FCA cost","FCA pricing","how much does an FCA cost"],datePublished:"2026-02-28",aiSummary:"A standard NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment at FCA Reports Australia costs $2,910 inc. GST, payable from the participant's Capacity Building budget. The price includes a 60-90 minute clinical interview by telehealth, standardised tools selected for the participant's presentation, peer review by a second AHPRA-registered clinician, the final PDF report tailored to the participant's complexity, an executive summary, and a clarification window after delivery. Reports are issued within 5 business days of the final interview. There are no hidden fees.",keyTakeaways:["Standard FCA \u2014 $2,910 inc. GST. SIL Assessment with Roster of Care \u2014 quoted on request.","Funded from the participant's Capacity Building budget under Improved Daily Living.","Includes: clinical interview, standardised tools, peer review, final PDF report, exec summary, clarification window.","Excludes: in-person travel charges (we are 100% telehealth \u2014 no travel costs ever).","5 business days from final interview to peer-reviewed PDF.","Free 15-minute scoping call before commitment."],sections:[{h2:"The price",body:"A standard NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment from FCA Reports Australia is $2,910 inc. GST. This is a fixed price for the entire assessment \u2014 interview, scoring, peer review, report, executive summary and clarification window included. Complex multi-disciplinary assessments (SIL, SDA, ILO) are quoted on request because the scope varies significantly with case complexity."},{h2:"What's included in the $2,910",body:"Every standard FCA includes a structured pre-assessment intake review, a 60-90 minute clinical interview by secure telehealth, standardised assessment tools selected according to the participant's age, disability, presentation and referral question (these may include WHODAS 2.0, CANS, Vineland-3, the Mayo Portland Adaptability Inventory and other validated measures where clinically appropriate), peer review by a second AHPRA-registered clinician before delivery, the final PDF report tailored to the participant's complexity, a one-page executive summary for Support Coordinator handover, and a clarification window of up to 14 days after delivery for any post-report questions from your Coordinator."},{h2:"What's NOT included (i.e. what we don't charge for)",body:"There are no travel charges (we are 100% telehealth \u2014 there is nowhere to travel to). There are no per-session minimums (the 60-90 minute interview is bundled in the fixed price). There are no document fees, no admin fees, no 'standardised tool licence' charges, and no GST surprises (the $2,910 figure already includes GST). If a participant requires a second interview due to complexity or fatigue, that is included at no extra cost."},{h2:"How the NDIS funds an FCA",body:"NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments are funded from the participant's Capacity Building budget, specifically under the 'Improved Daily Living' category. Most NDIS plans include enough Capacity Building funding to cover an FCA. If the budget is currently empty or low, your Support Coordinator can request an additional one-off allocation via a Change of Circumstances request. The NDIA generally approves these requests when an FCA is needed to support a plan reassessment, an access request, or a Support Need increase."},{h2:"NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed participants",body:"Plan-managed participants: 

1we invoice your plan manager directly using our standard ABN-tax-invoice format. Most plan managers process FCA invoices within 5-10 business days. Self-managed participants: we invoice you directly; you pay our invoice and then claim reimbursement from the NDIS via the my place portal. NDIA-managed (agency-managed) participants: as a Registered NDIS Provider, FCA Reports Australia can work with NDIA-managed participants and claim through the NDIA, subject to available funding and the participant's plan arrangements."},{h2:"How our pricing compares",body:"Independent NDIS FCA pricing ranges roughly from $1,800 to $3,600 in the Australian market. Reports at the lower end of that range typically use a single discipline, no peer review, and shorter assessment times \u2014 and often produce lighter documentation that may not hold up to scrutiny from an NDIA delegate. Our $2,910 price sits in the upper-middle of the market because every report includes peer review by a second AHPRA clinician and our methodology is explicitly designed to hold up at internal review and at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)."},{h2:"Why we don't discount",body:"We don't discount our standard FCA. Peer review costs money. Standardised tools cost money. Clinical experience costs money. Discounting the price would require cutting one of those \u2014 and every shortcut shows up later as a less-defensible report at the moment the participant most needs the evidence to hold. Where cost is a genuine barrier, we recommend asking your Support Coordinator about a Change of Circumstances request to top up the Capacity Building budget."},{h2:"Want to see what you're paying for first?",body:"We offer a free 15-minute scoping call before any commitment. The call covers your participant's specific situation, whether an FCA is the right next step, and any questions about scope, methodology, timelines or pricing. You can also request a de-identified sample FCA report (PDF) to 

1see the structure and depth before deciding."}],faqs:[{q:"How much does a Functional Capacity Assessment cost in Australia?",a:"An independent NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment from FCA Reports Australia costs $2,910 inc. GST. The market range across Australia is roughly $1,800 to $3,600. Lower-priced reports typically use a single discipline, no peer review and shorter assessments."},{q:"Is the FCA cost covered by NDIS funding?",a:"Yes. FCA reports are funded from the participant's Capacity Building budget under the Improved Daily Living category. Most NDIS plans include enough Capacity Building funding to cover at least one FCA per plan cycle."},{q:"What's included in the $2,910 FCA price?",a:"Pre-assessment intake review, 60\u201390 minute clinical interview by telehealth, standardised assessment tools selected for the participant's age, disability and presentation (which may include WHODAS 2.0, Vineland-3, CANS and other validated measures), condition-specific tools, peer review by a second AHPRA-registered clinician, final PDF report tailored to the participant's complexity, one-page executive summary, and a 14-day clarification window after delivery."},{q:"Are there any hidden fees?",a:"No. The $2,910 is the full cost \u2014 GST included, no travel charges, no admin fees, no per-session minimums. If a second interview is required due to complexity, that is also included."},{q:"How long does it take to get the report?",a:"Reports are issued within 5 business days of the final clinical interview. The full process from intake to delivery typically completes inside two weeks, depending on document availability and participant scheduling."},{q:"Can I get an FCA if my NDIS plan doesn't have enough Capacity Building funding?",a:"Yes \u2014 your Support Coordinator can request a one-off Change of Circumstances increase to your Capacity Building budget specifically to commission an FCA. These requests are generally approved when an FCA is needed for plan reassessment, access request or supports increase."},{q:"Does the price differ for SIL or SDA assessments?",a:"Yes. SIL Assessments (with a costed Roster of Care) and SDA Assessments are more complex and are quoted on request. The standard $2,910 price applies only to the general NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment."},{q:"Is there a discount for multiple participants?",a:"No. We don't discount our standard FCA. Each assessment is delivered to the same peer-reviewed clinical standard regardless of volume."},{q:"Can plan managers pay the FCA invoice directly?",a:"Yes. We invoice plan managers directly using a standard ABN tax invoice. Most plan managers process FCA invoices within 5\u201310 business days."},{q:"Do you offer a free consultation before I commit?",a:"Yes. We offer a free 15-minute scoping call to discuss your participant's situation, whether an FCA is the right next step, and any questions about scope, methodology, timelines or pricing before commitment."}],relatedServices:["functional-capacity-assessment","sil-assessments","sda-assessments"],relatedArticles:["preparing-for-your-ndis-fca","evidence-mistakes-that-cost-funding","ndis-plan-review-preparation"],relatedLearn:["can-a-physiotherapist-complete-an-fca","do-i-need-an-fca-for-ndis"]},"can-a-physiotherapist-complete-an-fca":{slug:"can-a-physiotherapist-complete-an-fca",path:"/learn/can-a-physiotherapist-complete-an-fca",title:"Can a Physiotherapist Complete a Functional Capacity Assessment?",metaTitle:"Can a Physiotherapist Complete an FCA? Yes \u2014 Here's When | FCA Reports Australia",metaDesc:"Can a physiotherapist write an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment? Yes \u2014 when AHPRA-registered with FCA experience. Physio vs OT FCAs explained.",h1:"Can a Physiotherapist Complete a Functional Capacity Assessment?",intro:"Short answer: yes. An AHPRA-registered Physiotherapist with formal NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment experience is fully qualified to write an FCA report under the NDIS guidelines. The longer answer is more useful \u2014 because it explains when a physiotherapy-led FCA is the better choice and when an Occupational Therapy lens is more appropriate.",keywords:["physiotherapist FCA","physiotherapist functional capacity assessment","who can complete an FCA","physio vs OT FCA"],datePublished:"2026-02-28",aiSummary:"Yes \u2014 an AHPRA-registered Physiotherapist with formal FCA experience can complete an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment. The NDIA accepts FCA reports from any 'suitably qualified' allied health professional, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech Pathologists, Psychologists and Social Workers. Physiotherapy-led FCAs are strongest for mobility, transfers, falls risk, neurological rehabilitation, ICU/post-acute and musculoskeletal disability. Occupational Therapy-led FCAs are strongest for cognitive, sensory, psychosocial and paediatric presentations. Note: FCA Reports Australia is an Occupational Therapist-led practice with multidisciplinary clinical oversight from our Director team \u2014 for predominantly physical/motor presentations we may recommend a physiotherapy-led provider.",keyTakeaways:["Yes \u2014 Physiotherapists can complete NDIS FCA

1s when AHPRA-registered with FCA experience.","The NDIA accepts FCAs from any 'suitably qualified' allied health professional.","Physio-led FCAs excel at mobility, transfers, falls risk, neurological and musculoskeletal disability.","OT-led FCAs excel at cognitive, sensory, psychosocial and paediatric presentations.","FCA Reports Australia is a Occupational Therapist-led practice \u2014 peer-reviewed by a second AHPRA clinician.","Ryan Fuller (Founder) is an AHPRA Physiotherapist with hospital, ICU, orthopaedic, neurological, cardiorespiratory and rehabilitation consulting experience."],sections:[{h2:"What the NDIS actually requires",body:"The NDIS does not specify a single profession for Functional Capacity Assessment. The NDIA's Operational Guidelines refer to a 'suitably qualified' allied health professional \u2014 a definition that explicitly includes Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Rehabilitation Counsellors and other AHPRA-registered or nationally-registered professions. The test is not the profession label \u2014 it is whether the assessor has the clinical experience to evaluate the specific functional questions the report needs to answer."},{h2:"When physiotherapy-led FCA is the strongest choice",body:"Physiotherapy training centres on movement, function, and the relationship between physical capacity and daily activity. A physiotherapy-led FCA brings specific depth in: mobility analysis (gait, balance, transfers, ambulation patterns), falls and risk assessment, manual handling and 24-hour postural care, neurological rehabilitation (stroke, ABI, MS, spinal cord injury), cardiorespiratory and ICU sequelae, post-orthopaedic functional recovery, fatigue profiling and pain-function interaction, and assistive technology justification (wheelchairs, mobility aids, transfer equipment). For participants whose primary functional limitation is physical, a physiotherapy-led FCA produces more accurate quantification than non-physiotherapy-trained assessment."},{h2:"When occupational therapy-led FCA is the stronger choice",body:"Occupational Therapy training centres on the relationship between cognition, sensory processing, environment and meaningful occupation. An OT-led FCA brings specific depth in: cognitive and executive function assessment, sensory processing and regulation, daily living skill assessment (cooking, finance, medication management), home and equipment modification, psychosocial disability and recovery framework, autism and ADHD assessment, paediatric assessment using developmental frameworks, and behaviour-of-concern analysis. For participants whose primary functional limitation is cognitive, sensory or psychosocial, an OT-led FCA produces more accurate documentation."},{h2:"Why multidisciplinary input is best practice",body:"For most NDIS participants, real functional limitation crosses multiple domains. A participant with MS has motor symptoms (physio strength) AND fatigue impact on cognition (OT strength) AND psychosocial sequelae (OT/psychology strength). The strongest FCA reports \u2014 particularly for SIL, SDA and complex plan reassessments \u2014 are written by one lead clinician (physio or OT depending on presentation) and peer-reviewed by a clinician from the complementary discipline. That is the model we use at FCA Reports Australia."},{h2:"About Ryan Fuller, our Founder and Director",body:"Ryan Fuller, our Founder, is an AHPRA-registered Physiotherapist who completed his Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University. His clinical foundation includes intensive care (ICU), orthopaedic and post-surgical rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, neurological rehabilitation (stroke, ABI, MS, spinal cord), inpatient and outpatient hospital practice, and private practice. He has built FCA Reports Australia's Functional Capacity Assessment methodology around peer-reviewed evidence and the NDIS Act reasonable-and-necessary framework. Learn more about Ryan and the multidisciplinary team on our About page."},{h2:"How to choose the right assessor for your participant",body:"Three quick questions help select the right lead clinician: (1) What is the primary functional limitation \u2014 physical, cognitive, sensory or psychosocial? Physical \u2192 physio-led. Cognitive/sensory/psychosocial \u2192 OT-led. (2) Is the report needed for SIL, SDA or behaviour-of-concern funding? These usually benefit from multidisciplinary peer review regardless of lead clinician. (3) Is there an existing assessor relationship that should continue? Continuity of clinical context often outweighs a discipline-match preference for participants who already trust a particular clinician."},{h2:"What about other professions?",body:"Psychologists, Speech Pathologists, Social Workers and Rehabilitation Counsellors can also complete FCAs where their training matches the presentation. A speech pathologist-led FCA can be excellent for participants where communication is the primary functional limitation. A psychologist-led FCA can be strongest for complex psychosocial presentations. The principle holds: 'suitably qualified' means matched to the specific functional questions the report needs to answer."},{h2:"What we do at FCA Reports Australia",body:"FCA Reports Australia is an Occupational Therapist-led practice. Every FCA is written by experienced AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapists with formal NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment experience, and is peer-reviewed before delivery by a second AHPRA-registered clinician. Our Director team \u2014 Ryan Fuller 

1(Founder & Director, physiotherapy background) and Amy-Lynne Simmons (Clinical Director) \u2014 provides multidisciplinary clinical oversight so motor, neurological, musculoskeletal and complex functional presentations are reviewed alongside cognitive, sensory and psychosocial considerations. Where a participant's primary functional limitation is predominantly physical and motor, we are transparent about scope \u2014 and can recommend a physiotherapy-led FCA provider where that profession-match produces a stronger report."}],faqs:[{q:"Can a physiotherapist complete an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment?",a:"Yes. An AHPRA-registered Physiotherapist with formal FCA experience is fully qualified to write an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment. The NDIA accepts FCA reports from any 'suitably qualified' allied health professional including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Speech Pathologists, Social Workers and Rehabilitation Counsellors."},{q:"Is a physiotherapy FCA accepted by the NDIA?",a:"Yes. The NDIA's Operational Guidelines do not specify a single profession for FCA \u2014 they require a 'suitably qualified' assessor. A physiotherapy-led FCA is accepted at NDIS plan reassessment, access request, internal review and Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) levels when the clinician has appropriate experience."},{q:"When is a physiotherapy-led FCA better than an OT-led FCA?",a:"Occupational Therapy-led FCAs are stronger for participants whose primary functional limitation is physical \u2014 mobility, transfers, falls risk, neurological rehabilitation (stroke, ABI, MS), cardiorespiratory or ICU 

1sequelae, post-orthopaedic recovery, and complex assistive technology decisions."},{q:"When is an OT-led FCA the better choice?",a:"OT-led FCAs are stronger for participants whose primary functional limitation is cognitive, sensory or psychosocial \u2014 autism, intellectual disability, executive function impairment, psychosocial disability (schizophrenia, complex PTSD), and paediatric presentations."},{q:"Should I get both a physio and an OT assessment?",a:"For complex cases \u2014 SIL, SDA, severe behaviours, multi-domain disability \u2014 multidisciplinary input is best practice. At FCA Reports Australia, every complex FCA is led by one clinician and peer-reviewed by a second clinician from the complementary discipline, so participants get a multidisciplinary review without commissioning two separate reports."},{q:"What are Ryan Fuller's credentials?",a:"Ryan is Founder & Director of FCA Reports Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Physiotherapy from La Trobe University, and is AHPRA-registered. His clinical experience spans intensive care (ICU), orthopaedics, neurological rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, hospital inpatient/outpatient practice, private practice and Rehabilitation Consulting. In his current role he leads clinical methodology, peer review and multidisciplinary clinical oversight \u2014 FCAs themselves are completed by our team of experienced AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapists."},{q:"Can a psychologist complete an FCA?",a:"Yes \u2014 a psychologist can complete an FCA where the participant's primary functional limitation is psychosocial or behavioural. For purely physical disability profiles, a psychologist-led FCA would not typically be the best fit."},{q:"Can a speech pathologist complete an FCA?",a:"Yes \u2014 particularly for participants whose primary functional limitation is communication, swallowing, or where AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) is central to support recommendations."},{q:"Does the assessor need NDIS-specific training?",a:"Yes. AHPRA registration is necessary but not sufficient. The assessor must also have formal NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment training and ideally experience writing reports that have held up under plan reassessment, internal review and Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) scrutiny."}],relatedServices:["functional-capacity-assessment","telehealth-fca","neurological-fca"],relatedArticles:["fca-for-autistic-adults","neurological-fca-conditions-explained"],relatedLearn:["how-much-does-an-fca-cost","do-i-need-an-fca-for-ndis"]},"do-i-need-an-fca-for-ndis":{slug:"do-i-need-an-fca-for-ndis",path:"/learn/do-i-need-an-fca-for-ndis",title:"Do I Need a Functional Capacity Assessment for NDIS?",metaTitle:"Do I Need an FCA for NDIS? When the NDIA Requires a Functional Capacity Assessment | FCA Reports Australia",metaDesc:"Do I need a Functional Capacity Assessment for NDIS? When the NDIA requires an FCA \u2014 access requests, plan reviews, SIL/SDA, change of circumstances, ART.",h1:"Do I Need a Functional Capacity Assessment for NDIS?",intro:"An NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment is not technically mandatory for every situation \u2014 but in practice it is the single most useful evidence document a participant can hold. Here are the five situations where you almost certainly need one, the two where it's optional but high-value, and the one situation where you probably don't need one yet.",keywords:["do I need an FCA","NDIS FCA requirements","FCA for NDIS funding","when do I need a functional capacity assessment"],datePublished:"2026-02-28",aiSummary:"You need a Functional Capacity Assessment for NDIS in five high-impact situations: (1) new access request, (2) plan reassessment / annual review, (3) requesting SIL, SDA or ILO funding, (4) significant change of circumstances, and (5) internal review or Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) appeal. An FCA is optional but high-value for first-time Support Coordinator engagement and for substantial AT requests. You typically don't need an FCA if you are still inside a stable plan period with no upcoming review.",keyTakeaways:["You need an FCA for: access requests, plan reviews, SIL/SDA/ILO, change of circumstances, internal review or ART.","An FCA is optional but valuable for: first Support Coordinator engagement, substantial AT requests.","You can usually skip an FCA mid-plan if nothing has changed and no review is pending.","FCA reports older than 12 months carry significantly less weight at NDIS plan reassessment.","Allow 8\u201312 weeks between commissioning an FCA and your plan review date.","Cost: $2,910 inc. GST \xb7 Funded from Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living)."],sections:[{h2:"1. NDIS access request \u2014 when applying for the first time",body:"If you are applying to join the NDIS for the first time, the NDIA requires evidence that you meet the disability or early intervention requirements. A current Functional Capacity Assessment is the single strongest document you can submit because it translates diagnosis into the functional impact the NDIA actually evaluates. Access decisions hinge on functional impact, not diagnosis label \u2014 and the FCA is purpose-built to evidence functional impact. Participants who submit access requests with a defensible FCA succeed at materially higher rates than those who submit medical reports alone."},{h2:"2. Plan reassessment \u2014 at your scheduled review",body:"Every NDIS plan has a scheduled reassessment date \u2014 typically annually but sometimes longer. An FCA dated within 12 months of the reassessment is one of the most heavily-weighted documents the planner reads. Participants who walk into plan reassessment without a current FCA frequently end up with plans based on standard hour benchmarks that may not reflect real functional need \u2014 the planner reads the previous plan and modestly adjusts. Participants who walk in with a current, well-evidenced FCA can secure plans that genuinely match real functional need."},{h2:"3. SIL, SDA or ILO funding request",body:"Supported Independent Living, Specialist Disability Accommodation and Individualised 

1Living Options are the three highest-funding-value pathways in the NDIS. Every one of them requires a current FCA as the foundation document, plus a specialised secondary assessment (SIL Roster of Care, SDA design-category justification, or ILO Stage 1 exploration evidence). Submitting any of these without a current FCA is functionally impossible \u2014 the NDIA will not consider the application until the foundation evidence is in place."},{h2:"4. Significant change of circumstances",body:"If life circumstances change meaningfully during a plan period \u2014 deterioration of the participant's condition, breakdown of informal supports (parents ageing, sibling-carer reaching breaking point, partner returning to work), a major hospital admission, or relocation to a different state \u2014 you can request a Change of Circumstances reassessment from the NDIA without waiting for the scheduled review. These requests succeed at higher rates with a current FCA that documents the new functional reality."},{h2:"5. Internal review or ART appeal",body:"If the participant has received an NDIS plan or funding decision they consider materially inadequate, internal review must be requested within 90 days. Internal review and Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) appeal both require new or updated evidence \u2014 submitting the same evidence that led to the original decision is unlikely to change the outcome. A current FCA from an independent assessor is often decisive evidence at this stage, because the original decision typically rested on evidence the NDIA considered insufficient."},{h2:"When an FCA is optional but high-value",body:"Two situations sit in the 'optional but valuable' category. First, first-time engagement with a Support Coordinator: a current FCA gives the Coordinator a clear functional baseline to work from when commissioning providers, advocating for funding utilisation and preparing for the next review. Second, substantial Assistive Technology requests \u2014 particularly mid-cost and high-cost AT (>$5,000 or >$15,000): a current FCA strengthens the AT justification by linking each requested item back to a documented functional limitation."},{h2:"When you probably don't need an FCA yet",body:"If you are mid-plan, your funding is utilising appropriately, nothing has changed, no review is pending, and you do not have an upcoming SIL/SDA/ILO or ART pathway \u2014 you probably don't need an FCA right now. Commissioning one 'just in case' wastes Capacity Building funding that could be deployed against direct supports. The right time to commission an FCA in this scenario is 8-12 weeks before the next scheduled plan reassessment \u2014 early enough to receive the report, share it with the Coordinator, and integrate it into the broader evidence pack."},{h2:"How recent does the FCA need to be?",body:"A general rule: less than 12 months old for plan reassessment, less than 6 months old for SIL/SDA/ILO submissions or internal review, less than 3 months old for ART appeals. If life circumstances have changed in any material way since the previous FCA, re-issue regardless of date."},{h2:"What to do next",body:"If your situation matches one of the five must-have scenarios above and you do not currently hold an FCA dated within the recommended window, the highest-leverage next step is commissioning one. We offer a free 15-minute scoping call to discuss your participant's situation, confirm whether an FCA is the right next step, and walk through scope, methodology and timelines."}],faqs:[{q:"Do I need a Functional Capacity Assessment to apply for the NDIS?",a:"It is not technically mandatory, but submitting an access request with a current FCA materially increases the chance of approval. The NDIA evaluates access on functional impact rather than diagnosis label, and the FCA is purpose-built to evidence functional impact."},{q:"Do I need an FCA for every NDIS plan review?",a:"Strongly recommended \u2014 yes. An FCA dated within 12 months of the plan reassessment is one of the most heavily-weighted documents the planner reads. Submitting plan reviews without a current FCA typically results in plans based on standard hour benchmarks rather than the participant's real functional need."},{q:"Do I need an FCA for SIL, SDA or ILO funding?",a:"Yes \u2014 for all three. A current FCA is the foundation document, plus a specialised 

1secondary assessment (SIL Roster of Care, SDA design-category justification, or ILO Stage 1 evidence). Without the FCA foundation, the NDIA will not progress the application."},{q:"How recent does my FCA need to be?",a:"Less than 12 months old for plan reassessment, less than 6 months old for SIL/SDA/ILO submissions or internal review, less than 3 months old for ART appeals. Re-issue regardless of date if life circumstances have changed materially since the previous report."},{q:"Can I request an FCA mid-plan?",a:"Yes \u2014 and you should, if there has been a significant change of circumstances. The NDIA accepts Change of Circumstances reassessments when supported by current evidence; an FCA documenting the changed functional reality is often the deciding factor."},{q:"Do I need an FCA for an ART appeal?",a:"Strongly recommended. Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) appeals require new or updated evidence that addresses why the original NDIA decision was incorrect. An independent FCA is often decisive evidence at this stage."},{q:"Will an FCA guarantee approval?",a:"No. No assessment guarantees an outcome \u2014 and any provider that promises one is being dishonest. A defensible FCA significantly improves the chance of approval and increases the likelihood of receiving a plan that matches real functional need, but the NDIA's final decision rests with the delegate and the broader evidence pack."},{q:"Can the same provider that delivers my SIL services also write the FCA?",a:"Technically yes, but the NDIA increasingly scrutinises provider-led assessments for commercial bias. Independent assessment from a provider with no commercial interest in the outcome is significantly more credible \u2014 and often the deciding factor in approval."},{q:"How long does the FCA process take?",a:"Two to three weeks from referral to delivered report. Final reports are issued within 5 business days of the final clinical interview. Plan to commission an FCA at least 8\u201312 weeks before your scheduled plan reassessment to leave time for Coordinator review and evidence-pack integration."},{q:"Is the FCA cost covered by NDIS funding?",a:"Yes \u2014 FCA reports are funded from the participant's Capacity Building budget under the Improved Daily Living category. Most plans include enough Capacity Building funding to cover at least one FCA per plan cycle. If not, your Support Coordinator can request a one-off Change of Circumstances increase."}],relatedServices:["functional-capacity-assessment","sil-assessments","sda-assessments"],relatedArticles:["ndis-plan-review-preparation","evidence-mistakes-that-cost-funding","preparing-for-your-ndis-fca"],relatedLearn:["how-much-does-an-fca-cost","can-a-physiotherapist-complete-an-fca"]}},n=Object.values(t)}}]);
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