NDIS functional capacity assessment: making everyday evidence useful

“Needs help with daily life” leaves a reader with a lot of work to do. Which tasks? What kind of help? How often? What happens when that support is unavailable? Those questions are a useful place to begin when preparing information for an NDIS functional capacity assessment.

The purpose is to describe functioning clearly enough for the relevant decision to be considered. A diagnosis may provide important context, while everyday examples explain how the person is affected. Both the evidence needed and the appropriate professional depend on the question being asked.

An assessment is not automatically required for every application

The NDIS states that a functional capacity assessment is not compulsory for eligibility, although it can help describe how a permanent impairment reduces functional capacity. Existing evidence from the person, treating professionals or carers may also be relevant.

Therefore, before commissioning a new report, find out what evidence is actually missing. An access request, a plan discussion, ongoing therapy and a particular functional assessment may require different work. Ask for the request or decision letter to be reviewed as part of deciding the scope.

Describe a task rather than a label

Consider this fictional example: “Jordan needs help with appointments.” A clearer description might explain that Jordan needs another person to organise transport, give reminders and accompany them, and that appointments are frequently missed without this support. The real assessment would need to establish the details, frequency, context and evidence; this is an illustration of clearer description, not a client story.

Likewise, explain what the person can do independently, what becomes possible with support and which circumstances make the task harder. Strengths belong in the account as well. A report built only around difficulties can miss useful information about how support already works.

Psychological evidence and the broader team

A psychological functional assessment may consider cognitive, adaptive or psychosocial functioning within the psychologist's scope. Other questions may require occupational therapy, speech pathology, medical or multidisciplinary input. Ask what the proposed report will cover and where another professional's evidence may be needed.

An IQ score, a diagnosis and a full account of everyday support needs are different forms of information. The right combination depends on the referral question. A report cannot guarantee NDIS access, a plan amount or a particular funded support.

Prepare for the referral

• Gather the request or decision letter and relevant existing reports.

• Explain the purpose: access evidence, plan-related information or a specific functional question.

• Record practical examples across ordinary routines, with the person's knowledge and consent.

• Clarify the proposed service, fee, reporting hours and available funding before work starts.

• Confirm the plan-management arrangement and whether the chosen provider can deliver the intended support under it.

Meyer Institute's NDIS functional capacity assessment page and psychological assessment pathway explain enquiry options. Support coordinators and plan managers can use the NDIS referral form. For access-related questions, see NDIS application evidence.

Source: NDIS guidance on functional capacity assessments. Current funding and provider requirements should be checked for the particular service.