The NDIS has officially moved to the PACE system, replacing the old MyPlace portal and changing how participants manage their plans. PACE launched in late 2023 and now serves as the standard platform for all new and reviewed NDIS plans in 2025.
If you are currently using the NDIS or preparing for your next plan, it is important to understand how PACE works and what it means for your funding, flexibility and providers. Here’s what every participant needs to know.
What Is PACE?
PACE stands for Participant and Provider Engagement System. It is a modernised, user-friendly system introduced by the NDIA to:
- Simplify how participants interact with their NDIS plans
- Provide better control over how supports are managed
- Reduce paperwork and delays in payments and reporting
- Improve communication between participants, providers and the NDIA
As of 2025, all new NDIS plans are managed through the PACE system.
Key Features of PACE for Participants
Your Plan Is Now Structured by Support Categories
Instead of breaking down your funding into individual line items, PACE groups your funding into support categories (now increased from 15 to 21). For example:
- Instead of listing “occupational therapy”, your plan might allocate funding under “Improved Daily Living”
- This change gives you more flexibility to choose how to spend your funding within each category
New and Updated Support Types
PACE now recognises four support types, with the addition of Recurring Supports (e.g. regular transport funding), alongside Core, Capacity Building and Capital.
You will also see some newly added or renamed categories such as:
- Home and Living
- Behaviour Supports
- Assistive Technology Repairs and Rental
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
- Recurring Transport
- Young People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC)
These new categories are stated supports, meaning they are specifically allocated and cannot be redirected to other services.
How PACE Affects Your NDIS Experience
More Flexibility
With PACE, you no longer need service bookings. This means you can change providers or supports without needing prior allocations. Funding is more adaptable and responsive to your evolving needs.
Easier Budgeting
PACE introduces funding periods monthly, quarterly or annual releases of funds depending on your plan. This change helps you monitor spending and avoid overspending or running out of funds too early.
Goal-Based Budgeting
Each funding component in your plan is now linked to a specific NDIS goal. This helps clarify how your supports contribute to your progress and outcomes.
What You Need to Do in PACE
Endorse Your Providers
If you are NDIA-managed, you must endorse providers at the category level. Without endorsement, providers cannot claim for services. You can do this during your plan meeting or by contacting the NDIA.
Plan-managed and self-managed participants do not need to endorse providers unless their plan includes SDA, Behaviour Supports or YPIRAC funding.
Share Plan Details Selectively
You now control what your providers can view. You may share:
- Plan dates
- Funding categories
- Goals
- Contact details
This flexibility improves privacy and helps providers focus on relevant supports.
Review Your Service Agreements
Since service bookings are no longer used, it is more important than ever to create clear, written service agreements with each provider. These agreements help everyone understand exactly what services will be delivered and at what cost.
Does PACE Affect My Funding?
No Changes to Total Funding
The amount of funding you receive in your plan does not decrease or increase just because you have moved to PACE. However, it is now organised differently, making it easier to manage.
Rollover and Overspend Rules
- Unspent funds at the end of your plan now roll into the next plan
- Overspending is deducted from your next plan’s funding
- Funds are released in staged intervals (monthly, quarterly or annually)
How PACE Benefits Participants
PACE makes it easier to manage your plan and work with providers by offering:
- More control over who sees your plan and when
- Greater flexibility in how you use your budget
- Clearer goal tracking tied to funding outcomes
- Simplified plan structure for easier understanding
- Reduced administrative pressure for both you and providers
These updates aim to make your NDIS experience more efficient, transparent and tailored to your needs.
Final Thoughts
Now that the PACE system is fully rolled out across Australia, it is essential to understand how it shapes your NDIS journey. While the format may look different, the core principle remains: helping you access the right supports to live the life you choose.
To make the most of your new PACE plan:
- Stay informed during your plan review
- Endorse your providers if required
- Check your budget and funding periods
- Maintain service agreements to avoid confusion
- Reach out if you are unsure support is available
How SAN Support Can Help
At SAN Support, we actively guide you through every step of your NDIS journey, including your transition into PACE. Whether you are new to the scheme or an experienced participant, we ensure your supports work for you not the other way around.