There’s a lot of information out there about PACE, the NDIA’s new computer system. And while it might seem complicated, we’re here to help make it simple and we’re ready to help everyone navigate the launch of PACE!
Here’s what you need to know right now.
What is PACE for?
PACE is an upgrade to the NDIA’s computer system, just like when you update to a better/newer smart phone!
The goal of the new system is to improve the NDIS experience for participants and providers and deliver the best possible support to them, their families and carers.
When will PACE start?
The NDIA expects the rollout of PACE to start at the end of October and take about 18 months to complete.
What do I need to do?
Good news, at the moment there’s nothing participants need to do.
Existing participants – All new, varied, reset, renewed and reassessed plans from 30th October will be moved to the new PACE system.
Anyone with an existing plan who has a scheduled plan reassessment and does not need any changes to their plan will not transition to PACE until their next scheduled reassessment or if needing a plan change prior.
New participants – from 31st of October all new participants will be set up using the PACE system.
The NDIS will contact you, and we’ll be here providing support and guidance as well, so don’t worry about a thing.
What PACE is NOT changing
PACE isn’t changing everything, with the following staying exactly the same:
- Your supports are not changing (although they may have a new name).
- The fundamental structure of NDIS Plans
- Item Support Numbers
- The NDIS Act
- The registration process for providers
- NDIS Commission obligations including Practice Standards
What is PACE changing?
The main changes coming with PACE include some updates to the support types and categories, and to how the NDIA interacts with participants throughout their plan journey.
Please be aware that these changes only apply when you are moved onto the PACE system, which will only happen after your next plan assessment.
There are three changes to NDIS support types and support categories
Change 1
For PACE participants the NDIA are introducing a new support type in addition to Core, Capacity and Capital, called Recurring Transport. This will be a self-managed category specifically designed for regular transport payments.
Change 2
They will also be introducing five new categories:
Core supports now includes two new categories:
- Home and living.
- ‘Young people in residential aged care’ (YPIRAC), however, this is an NDIA managed category.
Capital supports includes two new categories:
- Assistive Technology, maintenance, repair and replacement.
- Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA).
Capacity Building includes one new category:
- Behaviour supports.
Note: The five new categories will be ‘stated supports’ which are funds that are not flexible and cannot be transferred to other supports.
Change 3
The NDIA will also be updating five of the existing category names, these are all under Capacity Building.
- Support coordination is now called Support coordination and psychosocial recovery coach
- Improved relationships is now called Relationships
- Improved health and wellbeing is now called Health and wellbeing
- Improved learning is now called Lifelong learning
- Improved life choices is now called Choice and control.
What are the changes to Plan Management service agreements?
Old process
As you know, we have a service agreement with you that details our responsibilities and commitment to you as your plan manager.
New PACE process
Under the new PACE system, while you will still have an agreement with us, you will also need to ‘endorse’ service providers via the NDIA, including plan management and support coordination providers (it just means that you’re telling the NDIA directly that you choose us!).
You will only need to do this twice:
- When a participant signs up to plan management and support coordination (one endorsement for each).
- When a participant starts a new plan, they will need to confirm that they want to continue using our services and endorse us again.
We’ll provide more information on this later!
New NDIA changes with PACE
- New annual ‘Participant Check-ins’, where the NDIA will contact you to see how your plan is going and make sure you’re happy with it.
- You will only need to attend a plan meeting if your new plan is different to your current plan.
- There are new optional plan implementation meetings – these are designed to help you get your plan started and make sure it’s working in the right way. These meetings are optional – you can choose whether to participate or not.
More visibility for providers
PACE will make it easier for providers to access a participant’s plan if they have the appropriate consent. Registered providers will be able to view a participant’s goals and nominee details. Plan managers will be able to view the parts of a plan they’re managing.
Looking to make the change to Plan Tracker?
PACE will make it even easier to change to Plan Tracker, from October 31 you won’t need to advise your existing plan manager of your decision to switch. Simply contact the NDIA directly to advise you want to change plan managers and it will be done immediately!
We’re PACE READY
Keep an eye out for more updates from the NDIA about PACE on the NDIS website www.ndis.gov.au. We’ll be sharing more as the new system rolls out – follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and the NEWS section of your portal.
PACE FAQs for Participants
What is PACE?
PACE stands for Participant/Provider Alternative Cloud Environment, it’s essentially a new NDIA computer system and will eventually replace the NDIA’s existing SAP CRM system.
Why is the NDIA introducing PACE?
The NDIA is introducing PACE to upgrade from their older system, just like when you update to a better computer at home.
The goal of the new system is to improve the NDIS experience for participants and providers and deliver the best possible support to them, their families and carers.
When will PACE roll out?
The NDIA expects the rollout of PACE to start from the 30th October 2023, and take 18 months to complete.
How will the roll out occur after 30th of October 2023?
Existing participants – All new, varied, reset, renewed and reassessed plans from 30th October 2023 will be moved to the new PACE system.
Anyone with an existing plan who has a scheduled plan reassessment and does not need any changes to their plan will not transition to PACE until their next scheduled reassessment or if needing a plan change prior.
New participants – from 31st of October 2023, all new participants will be set up using the PACE system.
What is not changing?
- The basic structure of NDIS Plans
- Item Support Numbers
- The NDIS Act
- The registration process for providers
- NDIS Commission obligations including Practice Standards
- The PRODA login used to access the existing Portal
How will I know I’m on the PACE system?
You can find out if you’re on PACE during your next plan reassessment and new participants will be notified that they’re on PACE during their planning meeting.
Will my plan look different in my portal/dashboard?
Yes, you’ll notice some slight formatting changes when you log in to you portal/Dashboard, things like colour and shading.
What is PACE changing?
The main changes coming with PACE include some updates to the support types and categories, and to how the NDIA interacts with participants throughout their plan journey.
Please be aware that these changes only apply when you are moved onto the PACE system, which will only happen after your next plan assessment (provided your plan changes).
Will the NDIA contact me more under the new PACE system?
There are a few changes to the way the NDIA will interact with you throughout your plan journey, here’s what we know do far:
- New annual ‘Participant Check-ins’, where the NDIA will contact you to see how your plan is going and make sure you’re happy with it.
- You will only need to attend a plan meeting if your new plan is different to your current plan.
- There are new optional plan implementation meetings – these are designed to help you get your plan started and make sure it’s working in the right way. These meetings are optional – you can choose whether to participate or not.
What are the changes to NDIS support types and support categories?
There are three changes to NDIS support types and support categories
Change 1
For PACE participants the NDIA are introducing a new support type in addition to Core, Capacity and Capital, called Recurring Transport. This will be a self-managed category specifically designed for regular transport payments.
Change 2
They will also be introducing five new categories:
Core supports now includes two new categories:
- Home and living.
- Young people in residual aged care’ (YPIRAC), however, this is an NDIA managed category.
Capital supports includes two new categories:
- Assistive Technology, maintenance, repair and replacement.
- Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA).
Capacity Building includes one new category:
- Behaviour supports.
Note: The five new categories will be ‘stated supports’ which are funds that are not flexible and cannot be transferred to other supports.
Change 3
The NDIA will also be updating five of the existing category names, these are all under Capacity Building.
- Support coordination is now called Support coordination and psychosocial recovery coach
- Improved relationships is now called Relationships
- Improved health and wellbeing is now called Health and wellbeing
- Improved learning is now called Lifelong learning
- Improved life choices is now called Choice and control.
Are there changes to how my funding is provided to me?
As part of PACE the NDIA will release funds in intervals, this could mean (for example) NDIS participants with a four-year plan have their funds released every 12 months – this will change depending on the length of your plan.
What about PACE and the rollover of funds?
Once an NDIS participant has moved to the PACE system any unspent funding will be rolled over to the following plan.
However, if a participant overspends, the deficit will be deducted from their next plan budget.
What are the changes to Plan Management service agreements?
Old process
As you know, we have a service agreement with you which details our responsibilities and commitment to you as your plan manager.
New PACE process
Under the new PACE system, while you will still have an agreement with us, you will also need to ‘endorse’ service providers via the NDIA, including plan management and support coordination providers (it just means that you’re telling the NDIA directly that you choose us!).
You will only need to do this twice:
- When a participant signs up to plan management and support coordination (one endorsement for each).
- When a participant starts a new plan, they will need to confirm that they want to continue using our services and endorse us again.
We’ll provide more information on this later!
How does a participant endorse a provider?
There are two ways a participant or nominee can endorse a provider:
- Contact the NDIA National Call Centre on 1800 800 110 and advise that they would like to endorse the provider.
- Contact their Local Area Coordinator to advise that they would like to endorse the provider.
Do I need to endorse Plan Tracker when I’m on PACE?
Yes, once you are on the PACE system you will need to endorse Plan Tracker for Plan Management, for each new plan.
What happens when a participant transitions from one plan manager to another?
A participant may contact the NDIA directly to advise they want to change plan managers and they will have the choice and control to commence their new service immediately without a notice period.
What PACE information sessions are available for participants?
Please visit the NDIA’s events page for further information.
Have questions?
We’re here for you.
We’re available on Live Chat (bottom right hand corner of this website), email us at hello@plantracker.com.au, or give us a call on 1800 549 670