Individualised Living Options (ILO) are NDIS-funded supports that help eligible participants explore where they want to live, who they want to live with and what support arrangements suit their needs. An ILO arrangement is designed around the participant’s preferences and may combine paid support with help from family, friends, housemates or a host. ILO funding can help participants explore and design a living arrangement and, once approved, establish the agreed supports. It does not pay for rent, mortgage repayments or ordinary household expenses. The support arrangement depends on the participant’s circumstances, goals and approved NDIS funding.
ILO is different from Supported Independent Living (SIL), which focuses on support worker assistance with everyday activities at home. Understanding the differences can help participants and families explore suitable living arrangements and discuss their options with the NDIS.
What Are Individualised Living Options (ILO)?
Individualised Living Options (ILO) are NDIS supports that help eligible participants create living arrangements based on their needs, preferences and goals. They focus on how a person wants to live and the support they need to make it possible.
An ILO arrangement may combine paid support with assistance from family, friends, housemates or a host. The aim is to give participants greater choice and control over their living arrangements.
ILO is not housing itself; it focuses on designing the support arrangement. Learn more about NDIS housing and living options or visit the official NDIS guide to ILO.
How Do Individualised Living Options Work?
ILO generally involves two stages: designing a suitable living arrangement and setting up the agreed supports once approved.
Stage 1 — Exploring and Designing the Arrangement
The participant explores where they want to live, who they may live with and what support they need. An ILO provider can help develop an arrangement that reflects their preferences and daily needs.
Stage 2 — Setting Up the Supports
The proposed arrangement is documented and submitted for consideration. Once approved, the agreed supports can be put in place. Clear communication about responsibilities and regular reviews help ensure the arrangement continues to meet the participant’s needs.
What Types of Support Can an ILO Arrangement Include?
ILO arrangements can combine different types of support based on the participant’s needs and preferences.
1. Primary Supports
Primary supports form the main part of the living arrangement. This may involve living with a host or sharing a home with housemates.
2. Supplementary Supports
Supplementary supports provide additional paid or unpaid assistance when needed. For example, a participant may receive support worker assistance when their usual primary support is unavailable.
3. Monitoring and Adjusting the Arrangement
ILO arrangements should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain suitable as the participant’s needs, preferences or circumstances change. The type and level of support will vary from person to person.
What Does ILO Funding Not Cover?
ILO funding supports eligible disability-related living arrangements, but it does not cover everyday housing costs or the physical home itself.
ILO funding does not pay for:
- Rent or mortgage repayments
- Everyday expenses, such as food and utility bills
- The physical home itself
- Home modifications
- Ordinary activities outside the home, such as work, study or sport
Other NDIS supports may be available for specific needs, but they have separate funding requirements. Visit the official NDIS guide to Individualised Living Options for more information.
What Is the Difference Between ILO and SIL?
Individualised Living Options (ILO) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) provide different types of support under the NDIS.
| Feature | Individualised Living Options (ILO) | Supported Independent Living (SIL) |
| Main Purpose | Design a personalised living and support arrangement | Assist with everyday activities at home |
| Support Model | Combines paid and informal support | Focuses on paid support worker assistance |
| Living Arrangements | May involve a host or housemates | May involve shared or other suitable living arrangements |
| Planning | Focuses on designing an individualised arrangement | Considers the participant’s support needs and evidence |
| Best Fit | Depends on personal preferences and living goals | May suit people needing regular assistance at home |
Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on the participant’s needs, preferences and NDIS funding decisions.
Learn more about Supported Independent Living (SIL) in WA.
Who Can Explore Individualised Living Options?
ILO may be suitable for NDIS participants who want a more personalised living arrangement and need disability-related support at home.
It may be worth exploring for people who:
- Want more choice over where and who they live with.
- Need support with everyday living.
- Prefer to combine paid and informal support.
- Are planning their future home and living arrangements.
Eligibility and funding depend on individual circumstances and NDIS requirements. Wanting an ILO arrangement does not automatically mean funding will be approved.
How Can You Explore ILO Through the NDIS?
If you are considering ILO, start by thinking about where you want to live and what support you need throughout the day.
Here are some steps to help you explore your options:
- Consider where and how you want to live.
- Identify the support you need with everyday activities.
- Discuss your home and living goals with your my NDIS contact or relevant NDIS professional.
- Gather information about your circumstances and support needs.
- Explore whether ILO or another home and living support option may be suitable.
- If ILO is appropriate, discuss the design process and potential providers.
Funding and approval depend on the NDIS decision-making process, so it is important to discuss your individual circumstances before making plans.
Exploring Living Support in South Hedland and the Pilbara
STARR Care provides Supported Independent Living (SIL) and daily living support in South Hedland and across the Pilbara. These services may help participants who need assistance with everyday activities and independent living.
If you are exploring ILO or other NDIS living options, STARR Care can discuss its available services and help you understand whether they may suit your needs.
Explore STARR Care’s Supported Independent Living services or learn more about Daily Living and Personal Care support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Does ILO Mean in the NDIS?
ILO stands for Individualised Living Options. It helps eligible participants explore and establish living arrangements that reflect their preferences, goals and disability-related support needs.
2. What Is Included in Individualised Living Options?
An ILO arrangement may include primary supports, such as living with a host or housemates, additional paid or unpaid assistance, and ongoing monitoring. The arrangement depends on the participant’s needs and approved supports.
3. Does ILO Funding Pay for Rent?
No. ILO funding does not cover rent, mortgage repayments or everyday household expenses such as groceries and utility bills. It funds eligible support arrangements rather than ordinary living costs.
4. What Is the Difference Between ILO and SIL?
ILO focuses on designing a personalised living and support arrangement, while SIL provides support worker assistance with everyday activities at home. The suitable option depends on the participant’s needs and goals.
5. How Do I Apply for Individualised Living Options?
Discuss your home and living goals with your my NDIS contact or relevant NDIS professional. If ILO is suitable, you can explore the design process with a provider and follow the NDIS approval process.
6. Can I Choose Who I Live With Under ILO?
ILO is designed to give participants choice and control over their living arrangements. Depending on the arrangement, you may explore living with a host or sharing a home with housemates, subject to your needs and relevant requirements.
Exploring NDIS Living Options in South Hedland
Choosing the right living arrangement starts with understanding your preferences, daily support needs and future goals.
STARR Care provides Supported Independent Living and daily living support in South Hedland and across the Pilbara. Our team can discuss the services we offer and help you understand whether they may suit your circumstances.
Understanding Individualised Living Options Under the NDIS
Individualised Living Options give eligible NDIS participants the opportunity to explore living arrangements that reflect their preferences, goals and disability-related support needs. Through a combination of primary supports, additional assistance and regular reviews, an ILO arrangement can be designed around the individual.
ILO and Supported Independent Living serve different purposes, so it is important to consider your living goals, daily support needs and available NDIS options. Funding is not automatic, and participants should discuss their circumstances with the appropriate NDIS contact.
For participants in South Hedland and across the Pilbara, STARR Care provides Supported Independent Living and daily living support. Contact our team to discuss our services and explore whether they may suit your needs.
Call us: (+61) 487-468-829
Email us at: info@starrcare.com.au
Visit us: Unit 3, Brand Street, South Hedland WA 6722
Follow STARR Care: Registered NDIS Provider on Facebook and Instagram