If you’ve recently received a new NDIS plan and it looks different to what you expected, you’re not alone. Plans issued under the PACE system have a different structure. This guide explains what you’re looking at.
Information current as of November 2024. This article is general information only — not NDIS, legal, or financial advice.
Old-style plan vs PACE plan
Old myplace plan: Your plan listed individual line items — specific funding amounts for specific supports. For example:
- Support Coordination (07_002): $3,500
- Occupational Therapy (15_043): $2,400
- Assistance with Daily Life: $18,750
PACE plan: Your plan shows support categories with totals, plus an overall funded amount:
- Capacity Building — Support Coordination: $3,500
- Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living: $6,000
- Core — Assistance with Daily Life: $18,750
- Total funded supports: $28,250
Understanding the categories
NDIS supports are grouped into three main budget areas:
Core Supports — day-to-day supports like personal care, community access, consumables, and transport.
Capacity Building — supports designed to build your independence and skills over time. This includes Support Coordination, therapy, employment supports, and improved health and wellbeing.
Capital Supports — big-ticket items like assistive technology and home modifications.
Can I move money between categories?
Generally, no. Funding is allocated to categories and must be spent within that category’s scope. Core funds cannot be used for capital items, for example. However, there is some flexibility within certain categories — your Support Coordinator can explain the rules that apply to your specific plan.
How to track your PACE budget
- my NDIS app or portal — log in at my.ndis.gov.au to see your current balance by category
- Your plan manager — if you’re plan-managed, your plan manager tracks claims and can send you regular spending reports
- Your Support Coordinator — can monitor your capacity building budget and flag any concerns early
Red flags to watch for
- Spending in one category is running ahead of the others
- A provider is claiming more than the agreed rate
- You’re approaching the end of your plan period with large unspent balances (which may affect future plan amounts)
Source: NDIS — Understanding your plan
General information only
This article is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute NDIS, legal, or financial advice. NDIS rules and supports vary by individual plan. For advice specific to your situation, speak with your Support Coordinator or contact the NDIA directly at ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110.