If you’ve been looking for a way to live that feels truly personal, you’ve likely come across the term ILO. But what are individualised living options, and how does it actually work in practice?
Think of Individualised Living Options (ILO) as a custom-built support arrangement designed around your specific life, not a pre-set building or a fixed provider roster. It is a key part of having disability support services in your own home, enabling you to be a valuable member of your local community while living on your own terms.
The Golden Rule: ILO is not funding for the house itself. According to the official NDIS individualised living options guidelines, it funds the support model that helps you live safely and comfortably in a home you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Tailored Funding: Individualised living options depend on your specific needs, with NDIS funding often falling into three levels, ranging from approximately $105,000 to over $230,000 per year for more complex arrangements.
- Separation of Housing and Support: Remember that ILO funds the support model only, not rent or mortgages; it is designed to help you maintain your own home through a mix of primary and supplementary assistance.
- A Two-Stage Process: Success relies on starting with a dedicated “Exploration and Design” phase to build a custom Service Proposal before moving into the implementation of your support.
What are Individualised Living Options?
Individualised living options are built on flexibility. Unlike shared living models that often involve moving into a provider-managed property, ILO is specifically designed to help you live in your own home.
While this might include a variety of setups, common arrangements include:
- Living on your own: You have your own residence with a tailored support team providing focused, drop-in assistance.
- Co-residency: Sharing your home with a housemate who offers companionship and some support.
- Host arrangements: Living in the community with a host, who isn’t a relative, who provides a supportive, family-like environment.
Because this is focused on you as an individual, no two setups are identical. It’s a thoughtful blend of paid support and “natural” support, friends and family, that creates a stable, long-term home.
At a Glance: Shared Living vs. Living in Your Own Home
Understanding the difference between these options helps you choose the right path for your lifestyle.
| Feature | Shared Living (SIL/SDA) | Support in Your Own Home (SL/ILO) |
| Living Arrangement | Shared living experience with others. | Living in your own home or a host’s home. |
| Support Level | Usually 24/7 on-site support. | Flexible, tailored, and community-focused. |
| Focus | Building skills in a shared setting. | Enabling community value and self-reliance. |
| Example | Supported Independent Living (SIL) | Individualised Living Options (ILO) |
How does ILO support choice and control?
At its heart, ILO NDIS support gives you the lead role in your planning. While models like SIL are more structured and team-based, ILO is designed to reflect your personal preferences and your desire to live in your own space.
How ILO choice and control works for you:
- Your Spot: You aren’t limited to specific disability accommodation. Private rentals or your own home are entirely possible options.
- Your People: You decide who shares your space, whether that’s a partner, a housemate, or living entirely on your own.
- Your Schedule: Support is tailored to your personal habits and routines, rather than following a broader facility schedule.
- Your Team: You have a direct say in who provides your support and how they work within your home.
What makes ILO different from other supports?
A common question is: “What is the difference between ILO and SIL (Supported Independent Living)?”
- SIL is part of a shared living experience. It is often better suited for people who benefit from a structured, team-based support environment, usually involving 24/7 assistance in a home shared with other participants.
- ILO is for those who prefer a fluid, community-integrated arrangement in their own home. It’s a lifestyle you design, allowing you to choose exactly who shares your front door key and how your day-to-day support feels.
What does ILO cover—and what does it not cover?
To understand ILO funding and what ILO covers, it helps to think of the support in these key areas:
- Designing the Arrangement: Thinking through what your ideal home life looks like and identifying potential housemates or hosts.
- Primary Support: This is the “anchor” of your home life, such as a host or a dedicated co-resident.
- Supplementary Support: Extra help for times when your primary support is unavailable or you need a little more assistance.
- Monitoring: Ongoing check-ins to ensure the arrangement remains safe, stable, and effective.
The two ILO support stages explained
The NDIS breaks this down into two steps to ensure the arrangement is sustainable for the long term.
Stage 1: Exploration and Design
This is the “planning” phase. You’ll work with a provider to look at different options and assess what will work best for you. This stage typically ends with a Service Proposal Form that outlines your proposed living arrangement and the associated costs.
Stage 2: Putting Supports in Place
Once the NDIS approves the proposal, Stage 2 begins. This is when you start your new routine. Your provider helps manage the agreements with hosts or housemates and maintains regular oversight. They’ll help adjust your ILO home and living plan as your life evolves, ensuring the support stays relevant to your goals.
Who might ILO suit?
ILO is usually a great fit if you:
- Are 18 or older and want to live in your own home or a community-based setting.
- Want support that enables you to be a valuable member of your local community.
- Are ready to invest time in designing a unique support model.
- Value self-reliance and want to grow your daily living skills at home.
Choosing an ILO Provider
Selecting a provider is an important step since they are your partners in designing your home life. Check out our Support Coordination services to see how we help participants navigate these choices. Look for a team that:
- Listens: They should be genuinely interested in your vision for your home life.
- Is Responsive: If your circumstances change, they should be able to pivot the support plan quickly.
- Communicates Clearly: The NDIS process can be complex. Your provider should explain the “Service Proposal” and funding details in plain, accessible language.
How to get started with ILO
To get the ball rolling on your ILO NDIS journey, chat with our Support Coordinators! Discuss your “Home and Living” goals and complete the necessary request forms. Once the NDIS agrees it’s a “reasonable and necessary” move, they’ll fund Stage 1 so you can start planning. For more details on the criteria, refer to the NDIS Operational Guidelines.
Exploring Your Future with Unisson Disability
At the end of the day, individualised living options are the opportunity to create a life that reflects your personality, your relationships, and your future. By choosing a model that prioritises living in your own home, you can build an environment that fosters your self-worth and keeps you close to the people who matter most.
If you are ready to see what’s possible for your living arrangements, we invite you to contact our friendly team or browse our current properties to see how we support community-integrated living. We’re here to help you explore the path that feels right for you.