The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of its new IT system, known as PACE NDIS. This upgrade promises a more streamlined, transparent, and user-friendly experience for participants and providers. As the rollout continues across Australia, understanding the intricacies of the NDIS PACE system is crucial for navigating your NDIS journey effectively.
This comprehensive guide will delve into what PACE NDIS entails, its implications, and how it will impact key aspects of your support.
What is PACE NDIS?
PACE NDIS stands for the “Provider and Participant Communication Environment.” It’s the new digital backbone of the NDIS, designed to replace the existing systems and portals. Think of it as a significant software upgrade aimed at improving efficiency, communication, and overall management of NDIS plans and services. The core objectives of PACE NDIS are to:
- Enhance the experience for both participants and service providers.
- Provide clearer and more consistent information regarding decision-making processes.
- Standardise systems and processes nationally.
- Facilitate the implementation of recent amendments to the NDIS Act.
The NDIS PACE system acts as a central hub for all participant information, including plans, budgets, goals, and service provider details. It also introduces a new “my NDIS” portal for participants, offering a more accessible and intuitive interface to manage their plans.
Key Changes Introduced by PACE NDIS
The introduction of PACE NDIS brings about several important changes that participants and providers need to be aware of:
Category-Level Funding
Unlike the previous system with specific line items, PACE NDIS provides funding at the support category level. This offers participants greater flexibility in how they allocate their funds within these broader categories to meet their individual needs. For instance, instead of having a specific budget for “Occupational Therapy,” funding might be allocated under “Improved Daily Living,” allowing for more choice in how those funds are utilised.
New Support Types and Categories
The NDIS PACE system introduces a new support type called “Recurring Transport,” designed specifically for regular transport costs and management by the participant. Additionally, several new support categories have been added across Core, Capital, and Capacity Building supports, such as “Home and Living,” “Specialist Disability Accommodation,” and “Behaviour Supports.” Some existing category names have also been updated for clarity, for example, “Support Coordination” is now “NDIS Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coach.”
No More Service Bookings
A significant change with PACE NDIS is the removal of the requirement for service bookings. Instead, participants will need to endorse their chosen service providers within the PACE NDIS portal. This “My Providers” feature allows the NDIA to recognise which providers are authorised to claim against a participant’s plan, streamlining the payment process.
New “my NDIS” Portal and App
Participants now have access to the new “my NDIS” portal and updated app, offering a more user-friendly way to view their plan information, budget, claims, and communicate with the NDIA. Participants with plans still under the old system will continue to use the existing “myplace” portal until their plan transitions to PACE NDIS.
Participant Check-ins
To ensure the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of the plan, the NDIA will now schedule regular “participant check-ins” to discuss its progress and confirm it continues to align with the participant’s evolving needs and goals. These check-ins will occur at least annually and provide an opportunity to address any concerns or changes in circumstances.
Provider Endorsement
Participants who are agency-managed or plan-managed will need to endorse their service providers, including plan managers, through the NDIS PACE system. If you manage your own NDIS plan (self-managed), you don’t need to list your service providers in the system. This endorsement allows providers to receive payments for the supports they deliver.
Impact on SDA Housing and SIL Accommodation
The introduction of PACE NDIS has implications for how participants access and manage funding related to SDA housing and SIL accommodation:
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Under the PACE NDIS system, SDA housing now falls under its own distinct category within Capital Supports. Participants who are eligible for SDA housing will have funding allocated specifically for this purpose. It’s crucial for participants residing in or seeking SDA housing to ensure their SDA housing provider is correctly endorsed as a “My Provider” in the PACE NDIS portal to facilitate payments. The PACE NDIS aims to streamline the administrative processes related to SDA housing funding, although the fundamental eligibility criteria and pricing arrangements for SDA housing remain largely unchanged.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Funding for SIL accommodation, which provides support with daily living tasks in a shared living arrangement, is typically allocated under the Core Supports category in PACE NDIS. Participants receiving SIL will need to ensure their SIL accommodation providers are also endorsed in the PACE NDIS system. The PACE NDIS emphasises a clear separation of funding and provider arrangements, ensuring participants have choice and control over their SIL accommodation and support services. While PACE NDIS doesn’t fundamentally alter how SIL funding is determined, the enhanced transparency and communication features of the system can help participants better understand and manage their SIL budgets.
Funding for Lifetime Skills
The development of lifetime skills is a key objective of the NDIS, and PACE NDIS aims to support this through its Capacity Building funding category. Supports aimed at building lifetime skills, such as education, employment-related supports, and skills training, will fall under relevant categories within Capacity Building. The flexibility offered by category-level funding in PACE NDIS may allow participants to allocate their Capacity Building budgets more effectively to supports that genuinely enhance their lifetime skills and promote greater independence. Participants should work with their support coordinators to identify appropriate supports for building lifetime skills and ensure these providers are correctly endorsed in the PACE NDIS system.
Navigating the Transition to PACE NDIS
The rollout of PACE NDIS is occurring progressively, with new participants and those undergoing plan reassessments being transitioned to the new system first. Existing participants will be moved to PACE NDIS when their current plans are up for renewal. The NDIA will communicate directly with participants about their transition to PACE NDIS.
To ensure a smooth transition, participants should:
- Become acquainted with the “my NDIS” portal and mobile application once their plan transitions to the PACE NDIS platform.
- Understand the new support types and categories and how their funding is allocated.
- Ensure their existing and new service providers, including those for SDA housing and SIL accommodation, are endorsed as “My Providers” in the PACE NDIS portal.
- Engage actively in scheduled plan review meetings to discuss their ongoing needs and objectives.
- Seek support from their support coordinator or the NDIA if they have any questions or require assistance with the PACE NDIS system.
Need Assistance with the New System? Contact TK Community Care Services Today!
Our dedicated team in Darwin is here to help you understand and navigate the NDIS PACE system, ensuring you continue to receive the quality TK care and support you deserve.
