Last month we touched on the new NDIS PACE system which has been designed to improve connections between participants and the NDIS (if you haven’t read that article, check it out here!). This month we are taking a deep dive into what’s changing and what isn’t, as well as the key PACE category changes.
Brief overview of PACE
PACE is a new computer system which will soon replace the NDIA’s existing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
Tasmania has been the first to experience the roll out during a trial process. The rollout for the rest of Australia will begin in a staggered fashion (most likely across an 18-month period) starting from the end of October 2023.
New participants can expect to be introduced to the PACE system first, with existing participants migrating to the PACE system as they start new NDIS plans.
The intention is for the system to improve how the NDIA delivers the NDIS, so participants and providers are better supported.
What are the key changes and what will stay the same?
There are several new features being incorporated into the new PACE system, including:
Changes to NDIS support types and categories
Participant-endorsed providers (My Providers)
Release of funding at intervals
Rollover of funding
New ‘my NDIS’ participant portal and app
Participant check-ins
Removal of service bookings
Bulk payment claims (single claim removal)
Viewing participant plans
New ‘my NDIS’ provider portal
Requests for service
New reporting templates
Although that may seem like a lot of change, there are still some fundamental elements of the NDIS that will stay the same, including:
The base structure of NDIS plans
Support item numbers (or line items)
The NDIS Act
Provider registration process
NDIS Commission
PRODA login to access the current NDIS Portal
What are the changes to support types and categories?
The NDIA has shared that there will be new categories and new names for support types. To make things easier, we’ve created a table showing the continuing supports, name changes and new supports*.
Support types | New support categories & names |
CORE | Assistance with Daily Life Home and Living Transport Consumables Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation |
CAPITAL | Assistive Technology Assistive Technology, Maintenance, Repair and Rental Home Modifications Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA) |
CAPACITY BUILDING | Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaches Improved Living Arrangements Increased Social and Community Participation Finding and keeping a job Relationships Behaviour Supports Health and Wellbeing Lifelong Learning Choice and Control Improved Daily Living Skills |
RECURRING | Recurring Transport |
*Name changes are in blue and new supports are in green.
How these changes might affect you
While PACE is not intended to have major day-to-day impacts, there are some important changes: Assistive Technology rental and repair now has its own category. If you rent assistive technology, it is important to alert the NDIS of this during plan reassessments to ensure that this new category is allocated.
SIL and Medium-Term Accommodation are no longer under Assistance with Daily Life, instead they are now within the new Home and Living category. This category is a stated budget type, requiring approved providers before payments can be made.
Behaviour Support is a new category for specialist behaviour intervention, which formerly was part of Category 11 – Improved Relationships. This is also a stated budget type.
As this is a new system that will roll out progressively, there are bound to be plenty of questions and updates throughout the process. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team. We will continue to update participants and providers as more information becomes available about PACE.
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.