The new PACE system: An overview

Published at 05-02-2024 13:15:00

The new PACE system: An overview

The NDIA has begun implementing a new computer system called the PACE system. The goal of this updated system is to enhance the NDIS experience for both participants and providers by making it better and easier for them the best support possible.

We here at Just Plan Managers are already assisting new NDIS participants using the new PACE system, so we are here to help if you need any help!

What is the PACE system?

Since the 30th of October 2023, the NDIA began a rollout of a new computer system called PACE. This new system is already being rolled out new participants getting their first NDIS plan. Existing participants will also be moved into the new system at the time for their next reassessment.

This new rollout is expected to take 18 months starting from the 30th of October 2023.

What will PACE change? 

There will be new changes that apply to you once you have moved onto the new PACE system. The main changes will include how the NDIS communicates with you throughout the journey of your plan, as well as some updated support types and categories.

What are these communication changes?  

There are a couple key changes in how the NDIS communicates and helps you to manage your plan:

1. You will now have annual “Participant Check-ins”, this is just a check in where the NDIS will call you once a year to touch base and ensure that you are satisfied with your plan.

2. You will only need to attend a plan reassessment meeting if your new plan is different to your current plan. You can also request for changes to your plan in this meeting if you need.

3. Your preferred service providers must be recorded at your plan reassessment meeting. If you agree to let your providers see your plan, you can also give them consent to do so.

4. There are also new optional plan implementation meetings to further support you with your NDIS plan. These are held with your Early Childhood Partner or Local Area Coordinator – they are completely optional so you can choose whether you would like to participate.

What are the support category changes? 

Most support categories will remain the same, however there are some new supports you will notice when you transition into the PACE system. Some of the support categories also have new names. Here is an overview of these changes.

A new support type

The NDIA have added a new support type in the PACE system alongside Core, Capacity Building and Capital supports. This new category is called Recurring Transport and is designed for regular transport payments that are self-managed by participants.

If the transport payments are plan managed or agency managed, it will still be under Core supports.

New support categories

In the PACE system, there will be five new categories.

Core supports have two new categories:

• Home and Living
• Young People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC)

Capital supports have two new categories:

• Assistive Technology, maintenance, repair and replacement
• Specialised Disability Accomodation (SDA)

Capacity Building has one new category:

• Behaviour supports

The new names of exisiting categories 

There are five exisiting category names that are updated in the new PACE system, these are all under Capacity Building supports.

• Support coordination has been renamed to ‘Support coordination and psychosocial recovery coach’

• Improved relationships has been renamed to ‘Relationships’

• Improved health and wellbeing has been renamed to ‘Health and wellbeing’

• Improved learning has been renamed ‘Lifelong learning’

• Improved life choices is now called ‘Choice and control’

So is there anything I need to do? 

For now there is nothing that you will need to do as a participant.

If you are an existing participant who requests or requires a change in your plan from 30th of October 2023, you will be transitioned into the new PACE system when your plan changes.

If you are an existing participant with a plan reassessment but you don’t require any changes, you will not move to the PACE system until your next reassessment or until changes are required.

If you are a new participant getting your first NDIS plan, you will be onboarded using the PACE system.

Rest assured, the NDIS will keep you informed throughout the process, and we will be available to offer support and guidance every step of the way! We understand that this new system can seem a bit daunting at first but we are here for you.

Get in touch

If you are having any troubles with these processes, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 1300 217 037 or email us at info@justplanmanagers.com.au and our friendly team will get back to you in no time!