Supported Independent Living Functional Capacity Assessments Made Simple

A SIL Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a detailed occupational therapy report that helps the NDIS understand what level of daily support a person needs to live independently. 

Forming the evidence base for a Supported Independent Living application.

Turning A Big Step Into A Clear One

Applying for Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a big moment. It can shape the support you receive and the confidence you feel moving forward.



Families often tell us they start out worried about the paperwork, but soon find it is more manageable than they thought. 

With the right guidance, an FCA becomes a chance to show your strengths, your needs, and your goals for the future.

What A SIL Functional Capacity Assessment Really Means

An FCA is not just a form. It is the story of your daily life: how you start your mornings, how you connect with others, and where support can help you live with more ease. 

It highlights both your abilities and the areas where extra help will make a difference.

Think of it as opening a window so the NDIS can see what life really looks like for you.



When that picture is clear, the right supports can follow.

Why A Strong Report Matters For SIL

A SIL decision can open doors to more independence, safety, and stability. That is why your report needs to be clear, accurate, and practical. Families say they value FCA reports that:

• Are written in everyday language
• Meet NDIS standards
• Arrive on time, ready for plan reviews

Support coordinators often describe these reports as the foundation that helps funding get approved. 

When the evidence is strong, families walk into planning meetings with more confidence, knowing their needs are backed up.

One support coordinator explained it like this: “A good report is not just helpful. It is what makes the difference between getting the hours a person needs or not.”

Step By Step: How The FCA Works

The process is straightforward. Families often say it feels lighter once they know what to expect.

First, the contact.

You will get a call to arrange your appointment. Families can choose in person or Telehealth, depending on what works best.

Then, the conversation. 

Your clinician talks through daily routines: getting ready, meals, safety, and community access. It is a conversation designed to bring out the details of your life, not a test. 

Families often say they appreciate being asked about the small things, like how long mornings take or whether someone feels safe showering.

After that, the writing. 

This is where the clinician turns those details into evidence the NDIS can use. Jem put it simply: “The report is what opens doors. It has to reflect real daily life, not just tick boxes”.

Finally, the delivery. 

Reports are reviewed, signed, and ready in time for your plan meeting. Families are often surprised at how quick this can be compared to the long waits they faced before.

Lifting The Weight Off Families

Behind every FCA is a family doing their best. Support is not about stepping back. It is about making life more balanced and opening doors to new opportunities. 

SIL support workers bring added experiences. They might cook a new meal together, help with travel training, or simply be another safe adult in someone’s world.



It is a bit like when a trusted friend takes your child to the park. You are still the parent. But now your child enjoys something different, and you have a chance to rest. That balance makes everyone stronger.

The Difference A Clear FCA Report Makes In SIL

Families and coordinators say our reports stand out because:



• You hear back the same day you enquire
• First Telehealth sessions are offered within two weeks
• Reports meet NDIS standards and get results
• Small updates are made with care, not hassle

One mum described the change she saw: “I saw my daughter’s confidence return before her pain dropped. That gave me hope, because I knew she was finding her strength again”.

Common SIL Questions Families Ask

How Long Will It Take?

Your first session is booked within two weeks. Reports are delivered in time for plan meetings, so you are not left waiting.

What If Things Change?

Life shifts, and reports can be updated. Families appreciate that small adjustments are handled quickly and without stress.

Is It Only For Adults?

No. FCAs can support SIL applications for younger participants too, wherever independence and daily needs are being considered.

The Humans Behind Your FCA Report

Behind every report is a person who listens. Our clinicians know the impact their words carry and families notice this difference. 

This commitment is shaped by personal experience too. Many of our team have lived with complex care in their own families. That is why the reports are not written to tick boxes. 



They are written to reflect real life, with honesty and care.

Your Next Step Toward Stronger SIL Support

A SIL Functional Capacity Assessment is more than paperwork. It is a tool that gives you confidence, clarity, and the support you deserve.

Families tell us that once the right report is in place, NDIS meetings feel calmer and more productive.

Feel Confident Your SIL Needs Are Understood

It is like patching a roof before the rain. Once you know it is secure, you can focus on living life, not worrying about what might go wrong.



With the right FCA, you can feel confident about the support that follows, knowing the details of your life are being heard and respected.