What the CANS measures
Many people with an acquired brain injury (ABI) can physically do a task but still need someone to prompt, supervise or keep them safe while they do it. Standard functional tests can miss that. The CANS was designed to capture it: the type and amount of support a person needs across a day and a week.
The clinician considers the help the person needs with everyday living, for example personal care, safety and supervision, and getting through daily routines, then decides which overall level best describes the support needed.
The CANS levels
The CANS gives one of eight levels, from 0 to 7. At level 0 a person can live in the community without support. As the level goes up, the person needs support for more hours of the day or more days of the week. At the top of the scale the person cannot be left alone and needs support around the clock.
The level is a summary. A good report explains what sits behind it: what you need help with, when, and why, so the NDIA can see how the level translates into hours of support.
How the NDIA uses the CANS
When you apply to the NDIS, the NDIA's list of best practice evidence for acquired brain injury puts the CANS first for people aged 17 and over, followed by the WHODAS 2.0. For children 16 and under it prefers the PEDI-CAT.
The CANS is also useful evidence after you join, especially for home and living decisions. A level that shows you need support for much of the day and night helps explain requests for Supported Independent Living, an Individualised Living Option or 24 hour support. If you receive 24 hour support, it may also help show your needs under the high support needs plan variation that started on 1 October 2026.
- Applying to the NDIS with an acquired brain injury
- Home and living requests such as SIL or an ILO
- Plan reassessments, to show whether needs have changed
- Discharge planning from hospital or rehabilitation
Who completes it
The CANS is usually completed by an allied health professional or nurse who knows the person and is trained in the tool, often an occupational therapist, neuropsychologist, social worker or rehabilitation clinician. They use interviews with you and people who support you, plus their own observations.
Many people with ABI are not fully aware of how much help they need, so information from family, carers and support workers matters. The assessor should check what really happens on an ordinary day, not just what you can do in a clinic.
Cost and funding
Therapists charge by the hour for the assessment and the report. For NDIS participants, the cost usually comes from the improved daily living skills part of your Capacity Building budget, which since 1 October 2026 is reduced by 10% when a plan is created, reassessed or renewed. Occupational therapy has a 2026/27 price limit of $193.99 an hour in most of Australia, and psychology $252.99 an hour.
Before you join the NDIS, a CANS may be completed by your hospital or rehabilitation team. Ask them before you leave, because a current assessment from people who treated you is strong evidence.
Tips for an accurate CANS
- Describe what support you actually get now, including prompting and supervision, not just hands on help
- Mention night time needs, such as wandering, falls or confusion
- Ask a family member or support worker to give their view
- Make sure the report explains the level in plain words and links it to the support you are asking for
- Ask for a repeat assessment if your needs change significantly