Do All NDIS Participants Need a Functional Capacity Assessment?

No.
Many NDIS participants receive appropriate supports without ever needing a Functional Capacity Assessment.
An FCA is generally recommended when there is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of how a person's disability affects their ability to complete everyday activities, participate in their community or achieve their NDIS goals.

Rather than focusing on a diagnosis alone, a Functional Capacity Assessment considers how a person's disability impacts their daily functioning across different environments. This information helps provide a clearer picture of the participant's current abilities, support needs and opportunities to increase independence.

Every participant's circumstances are different, which is why the decision to complete an FCA should be based on individual needs rather than assuming everyone requires one.
When Might a Functional Capacity Assessment Be Recommended?

There are many situations where a Functional Capacity Assessment may be beneficial.
An FCA may be recommended if:
  • You're applying for the NDIS and require evidence of your functional capacity.
  • Your circumstances or support needs have changed.
  • Your current NDIS plan no longer reflects your everyday needs.
  • You require updated clinical evidence for an upcoming plan reassessment.
  • You're requesting additional supports or changes to your existing supports.
  • You're exploring Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
  • You require an Assistive Technology Assessment for equipment or technology that supports your independence.
  • You're considering Home Modifications to improve safety and accessibility.
  • You're transitioning from school to adulthood or into different living arrangements.
  • Your Support Coordinator, healthcare professional or therapy team recommends further assessment.

Not every participant will experience these situations, but when they do, an FCA can provide valuable evidence-informed information to support planning and decision-making.

How Do I Know If I Might Benefit From a Functional Capacity Assessment?

Every person's circumstances are different, which means there is no single rule about who should have a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA).

Rather than asking whether someone has a particular diagnosis, it's often more helpful to consider how their disability affects everyday life. A Functional Capacity Assessment focuses on understanding what a person can do independently, where they may need support and the barriers that may be affecting their participation, safety and quality of life.

If you're unsure whether an FCA may be beneficial, the following situations may indicate that it is worth discussing with your Occupational Therapist, Support Coordinator or healthcare professional.
Your Everyday Support Needs Have Changed

Support needs can change over time due to age, health, life circumstances or changes in functional abilities.

You may benefit from a Functional Capacity Assessment if you or the person you support now requires more assistance with everyday activities than before, is experiencing increased difficulty completing daily tasks or has developed new support needs that are not reflected in their current NDIS plan.
You're Finding Everyday Activities More Difficult

A Functional Capacity Assessment may be appropriate if your disability is making everyday tasks increasingly challenging.
This may include difficulties with:
  • Personal care, such as showering, dressing or grooming.
  • Preparing meals.
  • Household tasks.
  • Mobility and moving safely around the home or community.
  • Managing routines and daily responsibilities.
  • Participating in education, employment or community activities.
  • Building or maintaining independence.
Understanding how these challenges affect your daily life helps identify practical supports that may improve your participation and independence.
You're Requesting Additional NDIS Supports

Sometimes participants require additional supports because their circumstances have changed or their current supports are no longer meeting their needs.
A Functional Capacity Assessment may provide evidence-informed information that helps explain:
  • Your current functional abilities.
  • How your disability affects everyday activities.
  • Areas where additional support may be beneficial.
  • Strategies that may improve independence and participation.
Any recommendations are based on the assessment findings and professional clinical judgement. Decisions about funding remain the responsibility of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
You're Considering Assistive Technology or Home Modifications

If equipment or changes to your home may help you live more safely and independently, a Functional Capacity Assessment may be recommended before specific recommendations are made.
Assessment findings can help determine whether you may benefit from supports such as: Recommendations are always tailored to your individual goals, functional abilities and living environment.
You're Planning for Greater Independence

Many participants seek a Functional Capacity Assessment when planning for future independence.
This may include: An FCA helps identify both current strengths and areas where additional supports or capacity-building strategies may assist in achieving these goals.
Your Healthcare Team Has Recommended an Assessment

Sometimes your Occupational Therapist, GP, paediatrician, rehabilitation specialist, treating clinician or Support Coordinator may recommend a Functional Capacity Assessment because they believe a more comprehensive understanding of your functional abilities would help guide future planning and supports.

This doesn't necessarily mean your needs have become more complex. It simply means additional clinical information may help ensure future recommendations accurately reflect your current circumstances.
Still Not Sure?

Many people aren't certain whether they need a Functional Capacity Assessment—and that's completely understandable.
Every participant's circumstances are unique, and the decision to complete an FCA should always be based on individual needs rather than a checklist.

If you're unsure, Belong Health offers a Free 20-Minute Connect Session, where you can speak with our team about your circumstances. We'll answer your questions, explain the assessment process and help you determine whether a Functional Capacity Assessment is likely to be beneficial for you or the person you support.

What Does a Functional Capacity Assessment Look At?

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is designed to build a comprehensive understanding of how a person's disability affects their ability to function in everyday life.

Rather than focusing on a diagnosis alone, our Occupational Therapists assess how the participant completes everyday activities, where they experience barriers, what supports are currently in place and what opportunities exist to improve independence, participation and quality of life.

Every Functional Capacity Assessment is tailored to the individual, so the areas explored will vary depending on the person's age, goals, disability, living arrangements and support needs.
Daily Living Skills

One of the key areas explored during a Functional Capacity Assessment is how a person manages everyday activities.
Depending on the participant's circumstances, this may include:
  • Personal care, including showering, dressing and grooming.
  • Meal preparation and eating.
  • Household tasks such as cleaning and laundry.
  • Managing medications where appropriate.
  • Shopping and accessing essential services.
  • Organising and completing everyday routines.
  • Managing appointments and responsibilities.
Understanding how these activities are completed helps identify where additional supports, equipment or therapy may improve independence.
Mobility and Physical Functioning

Our Occupational Therapists consider how the participant moves safely and independently within their home and community.
This may include assessing:
  • Walking and mobility.
  • Transfers, such as moving between a bed and chair.
  • Balance and coordination.
  • Stairs and uneven surfaces.
  • Fatigue and endurance.
  • Falls risk.
  • Safe access to the home and community.
Where appropriate, recommendations may include Assistive Technology, Home Modifications or referrals to other healthcare professionals.
Communication and Social Participation

Functional capacity extends beyond physical abilities.
Communication, relationships and participation in everyday life play an important role in achieving meaningful outcomes.
Depending on the participant's needs, the assessment may consider:
  • Communication in everyday situations.
  • Social interaction.
  • Building and maintaining relationships.
  • Community participation.
  • Education and learning.
  • Employment.
  • Recreational activities.
  • Confidence in everyday environments.
Where appropriate, we may recommend collaboration with our Speech Pathologists, Psychologists, Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners, Counsellors or other allied health professionals to provide coordinated support.
Home and Living Environment

The environment in which a person lives can significantly influence their independence and safety.
Our Occupational Therapists may consider:
  • Accessibility of the home.
  • Safety within different areas of the home.
  • Bathroom access.
  • Kitchen usability.
  • Bedroom setup.
  • Community access.
  • Existing equipment.
  • Environmental barriers.
Assessment findings may help determine whether Home Modifications, Assistive Technology, Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) should be explored further.
Cognitive, Sensory and Executive Functioning

Many participants experience challenges that are not immediately visible but still have a significant impact on everyday functioning.
Where relevant, our Occupational Therapists may consider:
  • Planning and organisation.
  • Memory.
  • Attention and concentration.
  • Problem-solving.
  • Decision-making.
  • Sensory processing.
  • Emotional regulation.
  • Managing changes in routine.
Understanding these areas helps develop recommendations that support greater independence in everyday life.
Supports Currently in Place

A Functional Capacity Assessment also considers the participant's existing supports and how well they are meeting current needs.
This may include reviewing:
  • Family supports.
  • Informal supports.
  • Support workers.
  • Current therapy services.
  • School or workplace supports.
  • Community services.
  • Existing NDIS supports.
Understanding what is already working well helps ensure recommendations build on existing strengths rather than duplicating supports.
Goals for the Future

Every Functional Capacity Assessment is guided by what matters most to the participant.

Our Occupational Therapists take the time to understand the person's individual goals, aspirations and priorities, whether that involves becoming more independent at home, participating in education or employment, improving community access or developing everyday living skills.

Recommendations are always designed to support meaningful outcomes that align with the participant's own goals rather than focusing solely on areas of difficulty.
Bringing Everything Together

A Functional Capacity Assessment is much more than a checklist.

It brings together information from observations, discussions, clinical assessment and professional judgement to develop a clear understanding of the participant's strengths, challenges and support needs.

This comprehensive approach allows our Occupational Therapists to provide practical, evidence-informed recommendations that support greater independence, improve participation in everyday life and help participants work towards the goals that matter most to them.

What Happens During a Functional Capacity Assessment?


Every Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is tailored to the individual. While every participant's circumstances are different, our Occupational Therapists follow a structured, evidence-informed assessment process to develop a comprehensive understanding of how a person's disability affects their everyday life.

Rather than relying on a single appointment or observation, we gather information from a variety of sources to ensure our recommendations accurately reflect the participant's current abilities, support needs and personal goals.
Initial Referral and Information Gathering

The assessment begins with understanding why the referral has been made and what the participant hopes to achieve.
Before meeting with you, our Occupational Therapist may review available information, including:
  • Previous allied health reports.
  • Medical information where relevant.
  • Existing NDIS plans and goals.
  • Previous Functional Capacity Assessments, if available.
  • School, workplace or provider information.
  • Information provided by the participant, family or Support Coordinator.
Reviewing this information helps us understand your current circumstances and avoid unnecessary duplication.
Getting to Know You

Every person is unique, which is why we spend time getting to know you before making recommendations.
Your Occupational Therapist will discuss areas such as:
  • Your strengths.
  • Your goals.
  • Your daily routine.
  • Activities that are important to you.
  • Challenges you experience.
  • Your home, education, work or community environment.
  • The supports you currently receive.
Understanding what matters most to you helps ensure our recommendations are practical, meaningful and aligned with your everyday life.
Observing Everyday Function

A Functional Capacity Assessment is focused on how you function in everyday life.

Depending on your circumstances, your Occupational Therapist may observe how you complete a range of everyday activities and how your disability affects your participation, independence and safety.
This may include considering:
  • Personal care activities.
  • Household tasks.
  • Community access.
  • Mobility.
  • Communication.
  • Organisation and planning.
  • Social participation.
  • Learning or employment tasks.
  • Managing daily routines.
Every assessment is individualised, so observations will vary depending on your goals and support needs.
Considering the Whole Person

Rather than looking at one area in isolation, our Occupational Therapists consider the many factors that influence everyday functioning.
These may include:
  • Physical health.
  • Cognitive functioning.
  • Sensory processing.
  • Emotional wellbeing.
  • Communication.
  • Environmental barriers.
  • Existing supports.
  • Personal strengths.
  • Life goals.
This holistic approach provides a more complete understanding of your functional capacity and helps identify opportunities to improve participation and independence.
Collaboration With Your Support Network

With your consent, we may gather information from the people who know you best.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
  • Parents or family members.
  • Carers.
  • Support Coordinators.
  • Support workers.
  • Teachers.
  • Employers.
  • Other allied health professionals.
  • Medical practitioners.
Working collaboratively helps ensure recommendations are practical across the environments where you live, learn, work and participate.
Clinical Analysis and Recommendations

After gathering all relevant information, your Occupational Therapist carefully analyses the assessment findings using professional clinical judgement and current evidence-informed practice.
Recommendations are always tailored to your individual circumstances and may include: Where appropriate, the assessment findings may also contribute to supporting evidence used throughout your NDIS journey.
Preparing Your Functional Capacity Assessment Report

Following the assessment, your Occupational Therapist prepares a detailed Functional Capacity Assessment Report.

The report brings together the assessment findings, clinical observations and professional recommendations into a comprehensive document that reflects your current functional abilities, everyday support needs and goals.

Depending on the purpose of the assessment, the report may be used to support discussions about therapy, equipment, environmental modifications or other services. Where appropriate, it may also contribute to the supporting evidence considered during your NDIS journey.

Decisions regarding NDIS funding and reasonable and necessary supports remain the responsibility of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
A Collaborative Process

A Functional Capacity Assessment is not simply about completing a report—it's about understanding you as a person.

Our Occupational Therapists work collaboratively with participants, families and the broader support network to develop practical, evidence-informed recommendations that support greater independence, meaningful participation and improved quality of life.

Whether your goals involve becoming more independent at home, accessing education or employment, improving community participation or identifying the right supports for the future, our aim is to provide recommendations that are tailored to your unique circumstances and help you achieve the outcomes that matter most to you.

What Happens After a Functional Capacity Assessment?


A Functional Capacity Assessment is designed to provide a clear understanding of how your disability affects your everyday life and identify practical recommendations that support greater independence, participation and quality of life.

Once your assessment has been completed, your Occupational Therapist carefully reviews all of the information gathered before preparing recommendations that reflect your individual strengths, goals and support needs.

Every participant's circumstances are different, which means there is no single outcome that applies to everyone. Recommendations are always based on professional clinical judgement, the assessment findings and your unique situation.
Reviewing the Assessment Findings

Following your assessment, your Occupational Therapist analyses all of the information collected throughout the assessment process.
This includes considering:
  • Your strengths and existing abilities.
  • Areas where additional support may be beneficial.
  • Your current level of independence.
  • Barriers affecting everyday activities.
  • Environmental factors.
  • Your personal goals and future aspirations.
  • Opportunities to improve participation and quality of life.
This comprehensive review helps ensure recommendations are tailored to your individual circumstances rather than based on a diagnosis alone.
Receiving Your Functional Capacity Assessment Report

Following the assessment, your Occupational Therapist prepares a comprehensive Functional Capacity Assessment Report.
The report is designed to clearly explain:
  • How your disability affects your everyday functioning.
  • Your current strengths and abilities.
  • Areas where additional support may be beneficial.
  • The impact of your disability on daily activities and participation.
  • Clinical observations and assessment findings.
  • Evidence-informed recommendations tailored to your individual needs.
Depending on the purpose of the assessment, the report may assist participants, families, Support Coordinators and other members of your support team to better understand your current functional capacity and future support needs.
Recommendations May Include

Every Functional Capacity Assessment is different, and recommendations will depend on your individual circumstances.
Where clinically appropriate, recommendations may include:
  • Ongoing Occupational Therapy.
  • Capacity-building supports.
  • Assistive Technology to improve safety or independence.
  • Home Modifications to improve accessibility.
  • Support worker recommendations.
  • Strategies to increase independence with everyday activities.
  • Recommendations relating to Supported Independent Living (SIL).
  • Recommendations relating to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
  • Referrals to other allied health professionals such as Speech Pathology, Psychology, Counselling, Positive Behaviour Support or Registered Music Therapy, where additional expertise may assist.
Every recommendation is intended to support meaningful participation, greater independence and improved quality of life.
Supporting Your NDIS Journey

Many participants use the findings of a Functional Capacity Assessment to help inform future planning discussions.

Where clinically appropriate, the assessment report may contribute to supporting evidence that helps describe your current functional abilities, support needs and the impact of your disability on everyday life.

While a Functional Capacity Assessment can provide valuable clinical information, decisions regarding NDIS funding and reasonable and necessary supports are made independently by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Your Needs May Change Over Time

A Functional Capacity Assessment reflects your abilities and support needs at the time it is completed.

As people grow, develop new skills or experience changes in their health or circumstances, their functional capacity may also change.

There may be times when an updated Functional Capacity Assessment is appropriate to ensure recommendations continue to reflect your current needs, goals and everyday functioning.
Continuing to Build Independence

For many participants, a Functional Capacity Assessment is the beginning of an ongoing journey rather than the end of one.

Whether the next step involves Occupational Therapy, trialling Assistive Technology, completing Home Modifications, increasing community participation, exploring Supported Independent Living (SIL) or working alongside other allied health professionals, our focus remains the same, to help you build the skills, confidence and supports needed to achieve the goals that matter most to you.
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At Belong Health, we believe every assessment should lead to practical, person-centred recommendations that make a meaningful difference in everyday life.

Who Can Benefit From a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) can benefit people of all ages when there is a need to better understand how their disability affects everyday life, participation and independence.

Every assessment completed by Belong Health is tailored to the individual. Rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis, our Occupational Therapists assess how a person's disability impacts their ability to complete everyday activities, achieve their goals and participate in the environments that are important to them.

Whether you're seeking your first Functional Capacity Assessment, reviewing your current supports or planning for future goals, an FCA provides valuable information that can help guide evidence-informed recommendations and future planning.
Children

Children develop rapidly, and their support needs often change as they grow.

A Functional Capacity Assessment can help identify how a child's disability affects their ability to participate in everyday activities at home, childcare, school and within the community. The assessment explores areas such as self-care, play, learning, communication, social participation, motor skills and daily routines while recognising the child's strengths and developmental goals.

Assessment findings may assist families and support teams to better understand the child's current functional abilities and identify practical strategies that promote participation, independence and development.
Adolescents

Adolescence is a period of increasing independence and significant life change.

A Functional Capacity Assessment can help teenagers who are preparing for adulthood, transitioning through secondary school, considering further education or employment, developing independent living skills or preparing for changes in their support arrangements.

The assessment focuses on the young person's current abilities, everyday functioning and future goals while identifying opportunities to build confidence, participation and independence.
Adults

Adults may benefit from a Functional Capacity Assessment when changes in their disability, health or living circumstances affect their everyday functioning.

Whether the goal is maintaining independence, accessing employment, increasing community participation, exploring Supported Independent Living (SIL), considering Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) or identifying appropriate Assistive Technology, an FCA provides a comprehensive understanding of current strengths, support needs and future opportunities.
Older Adults

Older adults living with disability may experience changes in mobility, health, cognition or daily functioning over time.

A Functional Capacity Assessment helps identify how these changes affect everyday life while recognising the person's existing strengths, preferences and goals. Recommendations are tailored to support independence, safety and meaningful participation across home and community environments and may include strategies, equipment or environmental changes where clinically appropriate.
Participants Experiencing Changes in Their Support Needs

A Functional Capacity Assessment may also benefit participants whose circumstances have changed since their previous assessment or NDIS plan.
Examples include:
  • Changes in mobility or physical function.
  • Increased support needs at home or in the community.
  • Transitioning into different living arrangements.
  • Starting or finishing school.
  • Commencing employment or tertiary education.
  • Recovering from illness or injury.
  • Needing updated information about current functional abilities.
  • Preparing for an NDIS plan reassessment.
In these situations, an updated assessment can provide a current picture of the participant's functional capacity and help ensure future recommendations reflect their present circumstances rather than relying on historical information.
Every Assessment Is Individual

No two people have the same strengths, goals or support needs.

That's why every Functional Capacity Assessment completed by Belong Health is tailored to the individual. Our Occupational Therapists work collaboratively with participants, families, Support Coordinators and other healthcare professionals to develop practical, evidence-informed recommendations that support greater independence, meaningful participation and improved quality of life.

Whether you're supporting a young child, a teenager preparing for adulthood, an adult pursuing greater independence or an older adult experiencing changing support needs, our goal is to help you better understand your current functional abilities and identify the supports that will best help you achieve your goals.

Still Not Sure Whether You Need a Functional Capacity Assessment?

Many people contact us because they're unsure whether a Functional Capacity Assessment is the right next step, and that's perfectly okay.

Every person's circumstances are different. That's why our team takes the time to understand your goals, current supports and the challenges you're experiencing before recommending an assessment.

If a Functional Capacity Assessment is appropriate, we'll explain the process and help you get started. If another assessment or service would better meet your needs, we'll guide you in that direction instead.

Book your Free 20-Minute Connect Session today and speak with one of our friendly team members about the most appropriate next step for you or the person you support.
​
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Related Occupational Therapy Assessments

Depending on your circumstances, your Occupational Therapist may recommend additional assessments to provide a more comprehensive understanding of your support needs.
These may include:

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessment
A detailed assessment of personal care, household tasks and functional independence.

Cognitive Assessment
Explores how cognition affects everyday participation, decision-making, executive functioning and safety.

Home Safety Assessment
Identifies environmental barriers and provides recommendations for improving accessibility, safety and independence.

Assistive Technology Assessment
Provides detailed recommendations for specialised equipment that supports participation and independence.

Falls Risk Assessment
Identifies factors contributing to falls and provides practical recommendations to improve safety and confidence.

Electric Mobility Equipment Assessment
Determines whether powered mobility equipment such as powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters may improve functional independence.

Seating and Wheelchair Assessment
Assesses complex seating, posture, positioning and pressure management needs.

Pressure Care Assessment
Provides recommendations to reduce the risk of pressure injuries and improve long-term comfort and skin integrity.

SIL Assessment
Explores daily support requirements for participants seeking Supported Independent Living funding.

SDA Assessment
Assesses whether Specialist Disability Accommodation may better meet a participant's long-term housing needs.
Related Resources
You may also find these resources helpful:

Frequently Asked Questions About Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA)

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive assessment completed by an Occupational Therapist to understand how a person's disability affects their ability to complete everyday activities, participate in their community and work towards their NDIS goals. The assessment focuses on functional abilities, support needs, barriers and opportunities to increase independence, participation and quality of life.

Do all NDIS participants need a Functional Capacity Assessment?
No.
Not every NDIS participant requires a Functional Capacity Assessment. Whether an FCA is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances, support needs and goals. Some participants may never require one, while others may benefit from an assessment when their support needs change, they are seeking additional supports or updated clinical information is required.

How do I know if I need a Functional Capacity Assessment?
You may benefit from a Functional Capacity Assessment if your disability is affecting your everyday life, your support needs have changed, you're requesting additional NDIS supports, you're considering Assistive Technology, Home Modifications, Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), or your treating team believes a comprehensive assessment would be beneficial. If you're unsure, Belong Health can discuss your circumstances during a Free 20-Minute Connect Session.

Who can recommend a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment may be recommended by your Occupational Therapist, GP, paediatrician, rehabilitation specialist, Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), other treating health professionals or members of your support team. Participants and families may also choose to arrange an assessment if they believe it would be beneficial.

Can I request a Functional Capacity Assessment myself?
Yes.
Participants, parents, guardians and family members can contact Belong Health directly to discuss whether a Functional Capacity Assessment may be appropriate. You don't need to wait for someone else to suggest an assessment before asking for advice.

Does the NDIS require a Functional Capacity Assessment?
Not always.
The NDIS does not require every participant to have a Functional Capacity Assessment. However, there are situations where a comprehensive assessment may provide valuable information about how a person's disability affects their everyday functioning and assist with future planning. Any funding decisions remain the responsibility of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

Who completes a Functional Capacity Assessment?
At Belong Health, Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) are completed by experienced Occupational Therapists with knowledge of functional assessment, disability and participation. The assessment is tailored to the individual's age, disability, goals and support needs.

Can children have a Functional Capacity Assessment?
Yes.
Children may benefit from a Functional Capacity Assessment when there is a need to better understand how their disability affects everyday activities at home, school and within the community. Recommendations are always tailored to the child's developmental stage, strengths and goals.

Can adults have a Functional Capacity Assessment?
Absolutely.
Adults of all ages may benefit from a Functional Capacity Assessment if they require a clearer understanding of their functional abilities, support needs or future planning. This may include participants seeking greater independence, exploring different living arrangements or requesting additional supports.

Can I have another Functional Capacity Assessment?
Yes.
There may be times when an updated Functional Capacity Assessment is appropriate because your circumstances, functional abilities or support needs have changed. An updated assessment helps ensure recommendations reflect your current situation rather than relying on older information.

Will a Functional Capacity Assessment guarantee additional NDIS funding?
No.
A Functional Capacity Assessment provides independent clinical information and evidence-informed recommendations based on your assessed needs. While the report may contribute to supporting evidence during your NDIS journey, Belong Health cannot guarantee funding outcomes. Decisions regarding reasonable and necessary supports are made by the NDIA.

What happens if I don't need a Functional Capacity Assessment?
If, after discussing your circumstances, a Functional Capacity Assessment isn't considered the most appropriate option, we'll explain why and help guide you towards the service or assessment that best meets your needs. Depending on your situation, this may involve Occupational Therapy, an Assistive Technology Assessment, a Home Modifications Assessment or another allied health service.

How do I get started?
The first step is contacting Belong Health to arrange a Free 20-Minute Connect Session. We'll take the time to understand your circumstances, answer your questions and help determine whether a Functional Capacity Assessment is likely to benefit you or the person you support.
​Last reviewed: July 2026
This page is reviewed periodically to reflect current evidence, clinical practice and relevant NDIS guidance.

Accessing our Perth services

​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  
Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 
Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT
NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

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Phone: 08 9586 3934

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O: O'connor, Ocean Reef, Orange Grove, Osborne Park
P: Padbury, Palmyra, Parkerville, Parkwood, Pearsall, Peppermint Grove, Perth, Piara Waters, Pinjar, Queens Park, Quinns Rocks
R: Red Hill, Redcliffe, Ridgewood, Riverton, Rivervale, Roleystone, Rossmoyne, Rottnest Island
S: Salter Point, Samson, Sawyers Valley, Scarborough, Seville Grove, Shelley, Shenton Park, Sinagra, Sorrento, South Fremantle, South Guildford, South Lake, South Perth, Southern River, Spearwood, St James, Stirling, Stoneville, Stratton, Subiaco, Subiaco East, Success, Swan View, Swanbourne
T: Tamala Park, Tapping, The Vines, Thornlie, Treeby, Trigg, Tuart Hill
U: Upper Swan
V: Victoria Park
W: Wangara, Wanneroo, Warwick, Waterford, Watermans Bay, Wattle Grove, Wattleup, Welshpool, Wembley, Wembley Downs, West Leederville, West Perth, West Swan, Westfield, Westminster, White Gum Valley, Whiteman, Willagee, Willetton, Wilson, Winthrop, Woodbridge, Woodlands, Woodvale, Wungong
Y: Yangebup, Yokine​
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