If you need occupational therapy in your NDIS plan, start by explaining the everyday activities affected by your disability. The conversation should focus on the support you need and why it is relevant to your goals, rather than only requesting a set number of therapy hours.
Your NDIS contact or plan manager can help you understand the current plan and applicable arrangements. A provider can discuss the assessment or service scope. An OT report may provide evidence, but it does not guarantee funding or replace the NDIS decision process.
Describe the activity and support need
Use practical examples. You might need assistance organising a meal routine, completing personal care or using equipment. Explain which parts you manage, where difficulty occurs and what assistance is provided now.
A statement such as 'I want to be more independent' is meaningful, but it needs detail to inform a support discussion. Identify an activity you want to do and what makes it difficult. Include how the situation affects participation in daily life.
Check what is already available
Before arranging new work, look at the current plan and ask which supports can be used for the relevant need. Do not assume a diagnosis automatically provides a particular therapy allocation or that a recommendation is already approved.
If you work with a support coordinator, explain what you want the service to address. Where a plan manager is involved, ask about the arrangements that apply to paying for the agreed support. Keep the provider's scope and estimate clear.
Gather relevant information
Existing reports, observations and your own account can help explain the situation. The type of evidence needed depends on the decision being considered. Ask the relevant NDIS contact what information is required rather than buying a new assessment automatically.
Information worth organising includes:
- The activities and goals you want help with.
- The assistance currently provided and any gaps.
- Recent changes in routines, living arrangements or support.
- Relevant assessments you already have.
- Equipment or strategies tried and why they do not meet the need.
Use the provider's appropriate information-sharing process for sensitive documents. You do not need to send a complete medical history in a general service enquiry.
When an OT assessment may be useful
An assessment can investigate functional concerns and provide recommendations within an agreed scope. The OT may consider the person, activity and environment, relevant observations and information from agreed supports.
Explain the report purpose before booking. A functional capacity assessment, equipment prescription and home modification assessment have different requirements. Paying for one does not necessarily provide all the evidence needed for another.
The report should distinguish findings from assumptions and explain the reasoning behind recommendations. You can ask how the findings will be discussed and how factual inaccuracies can be raised.
Make the proposed service clear
Ask the provider for an estimate that identifies the assessment, reporting and any other agreed professional work. Discuss the expected timing and what could change the scope. This helps you understand the commitment before services begin.
For ongoing therapy, ask how appointments relate to your goals and how progress will be reviewed. A plan should explain the intended activity and approach rather than only listing a frequency of visits.
If circumstances have changed
Tell your NDIS contact about the change and ask which process is appropriate. Keep relevant evidence about the effect on everyday activities. A provider may help describe the functional impact, while the NDIS determines the applicable planning or funding decision.
Avoid relying on a blog as an individual funding ruling. Current requirements and your circumstances need to be considered together.
Common questions
Do I always need an FCA to request OT?
No single assessment is required for every situation. Ask what evidence is needed for the relevant decision and whether current information is adequate before arranging new work.
Does an OT letter guarantee funding?
No. A letter or report contributes evidence. The NDIS applies its requirements when making a decision.
Can I enquire with a provider before funding is confirmed?
Yes, to understand scope, suitability and costs. Make clear that funding arrangements are still being discussed so nobody assumes a booking or payment commitment is established.
What should I tell Ergo?
Include your location, goals, current support and whether you need an assessment, therapy or a specific report. We can discuss the suitable OT service and appointment options.
Make a referral to discuss occupational therapy for everyday needs across Melbourne and Western Sydney.