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Functional Capacity Assessments and the NDIS: What's Changing in 2027 and 2028

Loving Life Support Services
Jul 19, 2025
5 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

If you've been told to get a functional capacity assessment, or you've heard that the NDIS is bringing in new assessments, it's easy to get confused. There are now three different things with similar names, and they do different jobs.


This guide explains what a functional capacity assessment (FCA) is, when you might need one now, and what's changing with the NDIS in 2027 and 2028, including what's decided and what's still being worked out.


What is a functional capacity assessment?


A functional capacity assessment, or FCA, is a report written by an allied health professional, usually an occupational therapist. It describes how a person manages everyday activities and where they need help. It usually covers things like:

  • Personal care, such as showering, dressing and eating

  • Communication and getting along with others

  • Getting around at home and in the community, including transport

  • Household tasks, cooking and managing money

  • Learning, work and study

  • Taking part in social and community life


Depending on the person, other professionals such as a speech pathologist, physiotherapist or psychologist may also be involved. An FCA usually includes an interview with the person and their family or carers, watching how tasks are done, standardised assessment tools, and a written report with recommendations.


Three assessments that are easy to mix up


1. A functional capacity assessment (FCA). A report you arrange with your own allied health professional. This is what most people mean today when they say "FCA", and it's what this post is mostly about.


2. A support needs assessment (from April 2027). Part of the NDIA's new way of planning, called new framework planning. A trained NDIS assessor has a guided conversation with the participant, and the report is used to work out their plan budget. It is not used to decide who can access the NDIS.


3. A new access assessment of functional capacity (from 1 January 2028). From this date, people applying for the NDIS will be assessed using a standardised, evidence-based assessment of functional capacity to decide if they're eligible.


When might you need an FCA now?


Applying for the NDIS. There are no changes to how people access the NDIS until 1 January 2028. Until then, evidence from your own treating professionals, including an FCA, is still how you show how your disability affects daily life. Our guide to accessing the NDIS explains the process.


Asking for a plan reassessment. Since 27 August 2026, an unscheduled reassessment needs a significant, ongoing change, such as a change in functional capacity. A current FCA can be strong evidence of that change. We explain the rules in Before You Ask for an NDIS Plan Reassessment.


Specific supports. An FCA is often part of the evidence for things like assistive technology, home modifications, supported independent living (SIL) or specialist disability accommodation (SDA).


Big life changes. Leaving school, moving out of home or a change in health can all change the support someone needs.


The new legal definition of functional capacity


Since 27 August 2026, the NDIS Act defines functional capacity as a person's ability to do an activity without help from other people, or only with assistive technology or modifications that are commonly used and that they would ordinarily use. For children, help from others that's appropriate for their age is included. It's also looked at, as far as possible, without the impact of the person's environment and personal circumstances.


The need for a support must also come directly from the impairments the NDIA has accepted. A good FCA describes the person's abilities in these terms and links each need back to their impairments.


What's changing in 2027: support needs assessments


From April 2027, the NDIA will start moving participants to new framework planning. The main things to know:

  • A trained and accredited NDIS assessor will complete a support needs assessment with the participant, as a guided conversation

  • The assessment report is used with the NDIS budget rules to work out the plan budget

  • It rolls out gradually over several years, and the NDIA will let you know when it's your turn

  • Your current plan stays in place until you move over

  • Children under 18 won't be part of the initial changes


The NDIA hasn't said yet how reports from your own therapists, such as an FCA, will be used alongside the support needs assessment.


What's changing in 2028: access to the NDIS


From 1 January 2028:

  • People applying for the NDIS will go through a standardised, evidence-based assessment of functional capacity

  • The assessment will focus on how a person's day-to-day living is affected by their disability

  • The current lists of conditions (List A and List B) will be replaced

  • People already on the NDIS will be reassessed against the new criteria progressively over three years

  • Children aged 8 and under who are already accessing the NDIS will be reassessed under the old criteria until they turn 9


A lot of the detail isn't decided yet, including which assessment tool will be used, who will do the assessments, the thresholds for eligibility, and what evidence will be needed. A Technical Advisory Group is advising the government on these and is due to report by March 2027.


What this means for you right now

  • If you're applying for the NDIS before 2028, the current process and evidence still apply

  • There's no need to rush out and get an FCA just because of the 2028 changes. The NDIA hasn't said yet what evidence it will need

  • If you do get an FCA, ask your therapist to describe abilities in line with the new definition of functional capacity, with real examples from daily life

  • Keep simple notes of the help you need day to day. Real examples are useful in any assessment or conversation with the NDIS

  • Check with the NDIS or your support coordinator before making decisions based on the changes


Is an FCA funded by the NDIS?


If you already have an NDIS plan, an FCA can usually be paid for from your Improved Daily Living budget, under Capacity Building. If you're applying for the NDIS and don't have a plan yet, you'll usually need to pay privately. Your GP and treating team can also provide evidence for an access request.


From 1 October 2026, Improved Daily Living funding is reduced by 10%. This applies when a plan is made or reassessed from 1 October 2026, and when a plan is renewed from 1 February 2027, so it's worth planning for assessment costs. Our Improved Daily Living spotlight explains more.


How we help at Loving Life


We don't complete FCAs ourselves, but we work alongside local occupational therapists and other allied health professionals who do.


Our support workers see how a person manages everyday life, so we can help you think through real examples to share with your therapist or the NDIS. Once you have recommendations, our capacity building and daily living support help you work towards them, step by step. Our 1:1 support is matched to each person's goals on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.


📍 Based on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast



Information current as at 8 November 2026. Many details of the 2027 and 2028 changes are still being developed, so check with the NDIS before acting. This post is general information, not advice about your situation.


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