The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has rolled out Progressive Assist Capacity Enhancement (PACE), a new system built to simplify how NDIS participants manage their services and budgets. If your business runs on an outdated NDIS client management system or still leans on spreadsheets, this shift changes how you operate day to day.
PACE is already live. Providers who understand what it changes—and who upgrade their NDIS client management system to match—will move through this transition with far less disruption than those who wait.
Why PACE Matters for NDIS Providers
PACE replaces the previous NDIA system, including the Myplace portal, with a more modern, user-friendly platform. It has reduced administrative burden, provided greater flexibility in budgeting, and enhanced the experience for both participants and providers.
If you are still relying on spreadsheets or paper-based systems, this transition could be challenging. Implementing an NDIS client management system like VisiCase can make the switch to PACE much smoother, ensuring compliance with new requirements while improving efficiency.
Key Changes in PACE
1. More Budget Control
Participants will have greater flexibility over their budgets. Instead of being locked into specific line items, they can allocate funds more freely within support categories. This change allows for better decision-making and more effective use of funding.
2. More Support Categories
The previous 15 support categories have expanded to 21, making it easier to classify and understand different types of support. Budgets are now displayed at the category level, giving participants a clearer breakdown of their funding.
3. Introduction of a Recurring Support Category
A new “Recurring” category has been added to better manage ongoing needs like transport funding. Previously, this type of funding was not distinctly categorized, making it harder to track.
Breakdown of Support Categories
PACE restructures funding into four main groups:
- Core Supports: Covers essential daily activities, social participation, and consumables. A new category, Home and Living, includes Independent Living Options (ILO), Supported Independent Living (SIL), and provider travel.
- Capacity Building Supports: Helps participants develop skills and independence. This now includes behavior supports, covering specialist intervention support and behavior management plans.
- Capital Supports: Includes funding for high-cost assistive technology, home modifications, and vehicle modifications. New categories include Assistive Technology—Maintenance, Repairs & Rental and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
- Recurring Supports: A new category that simplifies ongoing funding, such as transport.
How PACE Benefits Providers
The shift to PACE means providers will experience changes in how they process claims, manage service delivery, and interact with participants. Some key advantages include the following:
- Streamlined Processes: The new system is designed to reduce administrative work and improve efficiency.
- Better Transparency: Clearer budget structures make it easier to communicate with participants about their funding and services.
- Consistency: A nationwide rollout ensures a uniform approach across all providers, reducing confusion.
- Digital-First Approach: As PACE replaces Myplace, digital tools will be essential to managing plans effectively.
Preparing for the Transition
To stay compliant and efficient, NDIS providers must ensure their systems and processes align with PACE. This includes:
- Updating internal processes to reflect the new support categories.
- Training staff on PACE changes to ensure accurate service claims.
- Adopting an NDIS client management system to handle participant data, funding, and reporting seamlessly.
At VisiCase, we continuously update our software to align with NDIA changes, including PACE. Our system simplifies compliance, making the transition smooth for providers. We also offer training and support to help you adapt to these changes confidently.
The Role of an NDIS Client Management System
Switching to an NDIS client management system like VisiCase ensures that providers can efficiently handle the transition to PACE without disruptions. Key benefits include the following:
- Automated budget tracking and reporting.
- Simplified service bookings and claims.
- Seamless integration with the new PACE platform.
- Compliance with NDIS guidelines.
As the NDIS system changes, having the right tools in place is essential. PACE brings positive changes, but adapting to them requires a reliable system that keeps your business running smoothly.
Want to see how VisiCase can support your transition to PACE? Book a demo today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PACE in the NDIS?
PACE (Progressive Assist Capacity Enhancement) is the NDIA’s new computer system that replaces Myplace. It gives participants more budget flexibility, expands support categories from 15 to 21, and is designed to work alongside a modern NDIS client management system for smoother service delivery.
How does PACE change NDIS support categories?
PACE expands the previous 15 support categories to 21 and restructures funding into four groups: Core, Capacity Building, Capital, and Recurring Supports. It also displays budgets at the category level, giving participants and providers a clearer view of available funding.
Why do NDIS providers need an NDIS client management system for PACE?
Providers still using spreadsheets or paper-based processes will find PACE difficult to manage. An NDIS client management system like VisiCase automates budget tracking, claims, and reporting, keeping providers compliant while making the shift to PACE far smoother.
What are the four main PACE support categories?
PACE organises funding into Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports, Capital Supports, and Recurring Supports. Core Supports now includes Home and Living, while Capital Supports adds Assistive Technology Maintenance and Specialist Disability Accommodation as new subcategories.
How does VisiCase help providers transition to PACE?
VisiCase is an NDIS client management system that updates continuously alongside NDIA changes. It automates budget tracking, simplifies service bookings and claims, and integrates with PACE, helping providers stay compliant and manage the transition with confidence.
