NDIS PACE Changes in May 2025: What Participants and Providers Need to Know
Empowrd • June 1, 2025
The PACE system is the new computer and participant portal system being rolled out by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The rollout began in October 2023 and continues to expand across Australia.
From June 2025, new and reassessed NDIS plans will begin to reflect key structural changes under PACE, specifically around how participant funding is allocated and released. These changes aim to improve clarity, accountability, and alignment with participant goals.
What Is PACE?
PACE is the NDIA’s upgraded computer system, designed to improve how participant information, planning, and funding are managed. It includes:
- A new My NDIS Participant Portal
- Streamlined internal processes for the NDIA
- A more precise and more structured approach to managing funding
As part of this system upgrade, the way funding is shown and released in participant plans is evolving, starting with plans issued or reviewed from June 17, 2025.
What’s Changing in Your NDIS Plan?
1. Funding Components
Instead of a single lump sum across support categories, your total plan funding will now be broken down into components tied to specific goals or types of support.
For example, instead of a single “Capacity Building” budget, you might see funding allocated for:
- Employment support
- Social participation mentoring
- Life skills training
This change helps:
- Increase transparency in how your funds are allocated
- Connect funding to your stated goals
- Make it easier to communicate with providers
2. Funding Periods
Funds will no longer be released all at once for the whole plan. Instead, each component will be divided across Funding Periods — set timeframes (monthly, quarterly, biannually, or annually).
This means:
- You’ll know when specific funds are available
- You can avoid overspending or underspending
- Providers and plan managers will have a clearer invoicing timeline
Unused funds at the end of a period roll over into the next, but the structure encourages consistent plan reviews and spending awareness.
Why These Changes Matter for Participants
For participants and their families, this offers:
- Greater transparency: You can see where your money is going and when it’s available.
- Proactive planning: Set reminders to align supports with funding release dates.
- More regular reviews: Identify underuse or gaps sooner and request changes.
This new structure is beneficial for self-managed and plan-managed participants who want more control and clarity.
What This Means for Providers and Plan Managers
These changes also affect how providers and NDIS plan managers operate:
- Invoicing must align with funding components and periods –
this means no bulk quoting without clear justification.
- Service agreements should accurately reflect the timing and scope.
- Plan managers will need to report funding usage aligned with each defined period.
Staff training and communication will be key as everyone adapts to the new system.
How to Prepare for the Changes
For Participants:
- Speak to your
plan manager or support coordinator to understand how your next plan may be affected
- Keep a record of when each funding period begins and ends
- Adjust service delivery and goal planning to align with the timing of funds
For Providers:
- Update internal billing processes and quote templates
- Educate staff on PACE terms, especially “Funding Components” and “Funding Periods”
- Be ready to explain the new structure to clients and families
Summary: The Benefits of PACE
While the PACE rollout represents a significant shift, it brings a more goal-aligned and accountable structure to NDIS funding. For participants, it means better clarity and planning; for providers, it improves tracking and service coordination.
Keeping informed and seeking help when needed is key.
Need Help Navigating PACE?
At Empowrd, we support NDIS participants across Australia with:
- Expert
Plan Management
- Local
Support Coordination from our base in Port Lincoln
- Resources to help you stay on top of NDIS changes
Call
(08) 8683 4401 or visit our website to find out more.
NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination
At Empowrd, we are here to make your life easier. Based in Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, we offer a personal, accessible and holistic approach to NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination.
We provide Plan Management services across Australia, assisting with financial administration, and offer Support Coordination to participants in Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, connecting them with the right supports and providers. Our goal is to ensure your NDIS plan works for you, so you can focus on achieving your goals and doing what you love.
Want to Become a Support Worker?
Our Independent Support Workers Education Portal provides everything you need to navigate the NDIS, find work, and confidently offer services as an Independent Support Worker. For just $65, you will gain access to comprehensive guides, essential resources, and ready-to-use templates to streamline your work.
Inside, you will find:
- A clear breakdown of how the NDIS works
- Tips for finding jobs and delivering services
- Step-by-step guidance on invoicing and support planning
- Ready-to-edit templates for quotes, service agreements, invoices, and case notes
Need just the templates? You can also purchase them separately as standalone resources.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.
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