What is PACE and How Will it Affect NDIS Participants?
PACE, a new computer system, is set to replace the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) current Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. New participants will be the first to use the PACE system, with existing participants gradually transitioning as they begin new NDIS plans. Tasmania has been the testing ground for the initial roll-out of PACE, with the rest of Australia scheduled to follow in stages over an 18-month period starting from October 2023.
The goal of PACE is to enhance the NDIA’s ability to deliver the NDIS, providing better support for both participants and providers.
What’s Changing?
The new PACE system is packed with new features, including:
- NDIS support types and categories changes
- Participant-endorsed providers via “My Providers”
- Funding is released at intervals
- Rollover of funding
- Participant check-ins
- Removal of service bookings
- Bulk payment claims (single claim removal)
- New “My NDIS” portal and app for participants and providers
- Service requests
- New reporting templates
What’s Staying the Same?
Despite the many changes, core aspects of the NDIS remain untouched, such as:
- NDIS plan structure
- Support item numbers
- NDIS Act
- Provider registration process
- NDIS Commission
- PRODA login for current NDIS Portal access
How These Changes Might Affect You
Here are a few key takeaways from the latest NDIS changes:
- Assistive Technology rental and repair is now a separate category, so make sure to notify the NDIS during plan assessments if you rent assistive technology in order to receive proper funding in this category.
- SIL and Medium-Term Accommodation are now in the new Home and Living category, which is a budget type that requires approved providers before payments can be made.
- Behavior Support is now a distinct category for specialist behavior intervention, instead of being part of Category 11 – Improved Relationships.
As an NDIS provider, the PACE system aims to simplify your processes and enable you to focus on providing high-quality services to participants. To make the most of its capabilities and prepare for its nationwide release, it’s crucial that you familiarize yourself with the new system. By understanding how the PACE system works and its impact on your responsibilities, you can ensure a seamless transition. We recommend attending the NDIS online information session to gain a comprehensive understanding of the upcoming changes.
As the rollout of this new system is still a work in progress, there may be additional questions and updates along the way. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly support team at 0283199433 or Info@triniticare.com.au. We’ll keep updating participants and providers as more information about PACE becomes available.