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Understanding NDIS PACE and Changes to Support Categories

Written by CTARS on 24 Jan 2025

The NDIA has introduced Progressive Assist Capacity Enhancement (PACE), a new computer system to improve participants’ management of their NDIS services and funds. PACE will also change how support categories are structured, aiming to simplify participants’ experience.

PACE will bring more flexibility, and participants will have more control over their budgets without being restricted to specific line items. The goal of PACE is to simplify billing and reduce administrative workload.

Progressive Assist Capacity Enhancement (PACE) organises funding into 21 distinct support categories, an expansion from the previous 15. A fourth support type, “Recurring,” has been introduced alongside Core, Capacity Building, and Capital, addressing ongoing expenses like transport funding. These updates group similar supports together, simplifying how participants understand and manage their funding allocations.

If you’re an NDIS provider working on paper-based systems or spreadsheets, switching to NDIS Software like CTARS can make this transition much easier.

Overview of PACE

PACE replaces the NDIA’s previous platform, including the Myplace portal, with a modern, digital system. This platform aims to streamline processes, improve accessibility, and provide participants and providers with better tools to manage funding and services.

The rollout of PACE began nationwide in February 2024 and is expected to continue over 18 months. New participants are immediately introduced to PACE, while existing participants transition when their plans are renewed.

Key Features of PACE

  • Simplified Budgeting: PACE displays budgets at the support category level, giving participants a clearer understanding of their funding allocations.
  • Flexibility: The system gives participants more control over their budgets, reducing restrictions on specific line items.
  • Improved Support Categorization: Funding is now organised into 21 distinct support categories, an increase from the previous 15, making it easier to understand and manage funding.

Changes to support categories

The number of categories has increased from 15 to 21. The categories have been reorganised to improve clarity, making it easier to understand and use funding.

Budgets are displayed at the support category level, offering participants a clearer view of funding allocations.

The NDIS has provided a comprehensive Support Catalogue that outlines all the support items available under each category.

A fourth support type, “Recurring,” has been added alongside Core, Capacity Building, and Capital. This helps manage ongoing needs like transport funding.

1) Core supports

These essential supports help participants with daily living activities, including assistance with daily life, social and community participation and consumables.

The new support category in this group is Home and Living. This includes different options such as Independent Living Options (ILO), Medium Term Accommodation (MTA), provider travel and Supported Independent Living (SIL).

2) Capacity building supports

This group focuses on developing a participant’s skills and independence. It has been expanded to include a new category called Behaviour Supports. This new category includes support items such as Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support and Behaviour Management Plans and Strategies.

3) Capital supports

These supports include funding for higher-cost assistive technology, equipment and home or vehicle modifications. The new category in this section is Assistive Technology – Maintenence, Repairs & Rental covering assistive technology rentals, repairs, early childhood flexible assistive technology and flexible equipment packages for evolving needs.

The other category addition here is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).  

4) Recurring (New)

PACE has introduced a new category, “Recurring”, to cover areas such as recurring transport that were not distinctly covered previously.

Benefits for Participants

These changes mean greater clarity and control over participants’ NDIS plans. With more defined support categories, it is easier to understand how funding is allocated.

All NDIS-related information is stored within the system, making communication seamless between participants and providers.

The new categories allow for more personalised support aligned with individual needs, leading to better use of plan budgets. Enhanced transparency will also help improve outcomes as more practical support can be provided.

Impact on Providers

The new PACE system will streamline provider processes and systems, making them more consistent nationally. This will improve the experience for both providers and participants.

The new NDIS provider portal will eventually replace the existing Myplace provider portal. However, the Myplace provider portal will continue to be used for participants who have not yet migrated to the new computer system. The transition to PACE will eventually happen for all NDIS participants.

Providers must adapt to the new support categories by updating their systems and business processes and training staff to ensure compliance and continued service quality.

NDIS software that keeps your organisation up-to-date

NDIS provider software

The introduction of PACE and the changes to support categories signify the NDIS’s commitment to improving the overall experience for NDIS providers and participants.

At CTARS, we keep our software up-to-date with NDIS changes, including PACE. This backend support and flexibility ensures providers quickly adapt to the new changes while remaining compliant with NDIS requirements. We offer training and support to help providers adapt to changes confidently.

Using CTARS means you can focus on providing care and supports to your clients.

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CTARS

CTARS was founded by Dr Lisa Fahey and Brendan Fahey, who have a long history in providing innovative solutions to the industry. Their significant industry knowledge has guided the development of CTARS software at every stage to meet operational needs.

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About CTARS

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Located in Sydney, Australia, CTARS was founded by Dr Lisa Fahey and Brendan Fahey, who have a long history in providing innovative solutions to the industry. Their significant industry knowledge has guided the development of CTARS software at every stage to meet operational needs.

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