PACE NDIS Plans: How to Tell If You’re on One — and Why It Matters
Empowrd • August 8, 2025
As the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to evolve, many participants are being quietly moved over to a new system called PACE, often without clear notice or explanation.
If you’ve recently noticed changes in how your plan looks or how providers interact with it, you might already be on a PACE plan. In this blog, we explain how to check if your plan has been rolled onto PACE, what’s different under the new system, and why it matters.
What Is the PACE System?
PACE is the NDIA’s new platform for managing participant plans. It was introduced to streamline plan building, improve budget management, and modernise the way plans are administered.
PACE is being rolled out gradually.
Some participants are moved to PACE when they receive a new plan — but not all. Even plan renewals or rollovers can still occur under the old system. There’s no guaranteed trigger, which makes it even more important to check your portal and funding structure directly.
How to Check If You’re on a PACE Plan
There’s no direct message or email from the NDIA saying “You’re now on PACE.” Instead, here are some signs to look for:
1. Log in to the myGov Portal
Go to your myGov account and access the NDIS Participant Portal.
2. Look at Your Funding Display
Under a PACE plan, your budget categories may be broken into funding periods — often quarterly (e.g. Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun).
If you still see a single annual amount for each budget category, you’re likely still on the original system.
3. Notice Any Provider Feedback
Some participants first realise they’ve been moved to PACE when a provider says, “We can’t see your funding anymore.” That’s a key change under PACE, most providers no longer have access to your plan budget unless you (or your Plan Manager/Support Coordinator) share it.
What’s Different About a PACE Plan?
If you’re on a PACE plan, here’s what changes:
1. Your Funding Is Split Into Periods
Budgets are often allocated quarterly. You can only use what’s available in your current period — plus any unspent funds from earlier periods.
This means it’s more important than ever to:
- Track your funding periods
- Time your supports strategically
- Avoid over- or under-spending
2. Providers Can’t See Your Budget
Unlike the old system, providers can no longer access your funding information directly. They’ll need to work through your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator — or request details from you.
This increases privacy and control, but also requires better communication.
3. The Portal May Look Different
Some participants notice that their online dashboard or funding reports don’t look the same — another subtle sign of being moved to PACE.
Why Does It Matter If You’re on PACE?
Understanding whether you’re on a PACE plan helps you:
- Know how much funding you can access — and when
- Understand what your providers can (and can’t) see
- Be better prepared for plan reviews, renewals, or budget planning
- Avoid surprises if your supports are billed differently under the new system
Haven’t Been Moved to PACE Yet?
If your funding is still displayed as a total annual amount — and providers are still able to view your plan details — you’re likely still on the old system.
But once your plan is renewed or reviewed, it may transition to PACE. Understanding the changes now means you can be prepared, ask the right questions, and set up the right supports.
How Empowrd Supports Participants Under PACE
At Empowrd, we provide NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination:
- Plan Management – helping participants track their budgets, monitor spending across funding periods, and manage claims with confidence
- Support Coordination – working alongside participants to ensure their plans are implemented effectively, even under the changes introduced by PACE
We work with participants in:
- Port Lincoln and surrounds (Support Coordination)
- The Far West / Ceduna region (Support Coordination)
- And across Australia (Plan Management)
Our team stays up to date with PACE and NDIS system changes so we can support our clients with clarity and care.
Final Thought
The rollout of PACE has introduced significant changes, some helpful, others simply different. Knowing which system your plan is under can make a big difference in how you manage your supports.
While it may take time to adjust, with the right support team and information, navigating PACE can be straightforward.
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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