Individual Living Options
Designed to help people living with disabilities explore and implement flexible, tailored living arrangements
What is Individual Living Options (ILO) NDIS?
ILO (Individualised Living Options) is a newer offering from the NDIS, designed to provide an alternative to traditional SIL (Supported Independent Living) funding. The ILO model usually involves participants living with a “host” who acts as their Support Worker. However, you may also choose to live with housemates.
This arrangement aims to reduce the need for paid 24/7 support by providing a stable living environment with a qualified helper on hand to offer assistance.
Who are NDIS Individual Living Options suitable for?
The hybrid nature of ILO is for people with disabilities in Australia who might be looking for a more flexible and customised living situation besides Supported Independent Living. It could be the right choice for you if you prefer living with family, a host or a mentor or alongside other people of your own choice who are able to support you in your daily living.
At Maple, we can help you to design these unique living arrangements to include any tailored supports you may need and adapt them to fit into the support you receive from your host, as well as any other avenues.
If you value control over your living environment and want to explore various living options, reach out to one of our professional team members today to find out more about ILO and all the other options that might be available to you.
The NDIS can fund Individual Living Options through a combination of primary and supplementary supports:
Primary supports
In an ILO arrangement, your primary support comes from the person or people you choose to live with. They can assist with aspects of daily living, such as cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene and ensuring your safety at home.Â
Supplementary supports
Supplementary supports are additional services you might need, these are typically provided by a service provider, family members, or someone from your community. These supports are flexible and can include things like respite care, or having a support worker stay with you when your primary support is unavailable.
The amount of funding you receive is determined by the level of support you need in each category and how those supports are delivered and balanced to meet your needs.
One of the major benefits of ILO is its flexibility in supporting various living options. Participants can choose to live alone with the support they need, share their home with a host who offers assistance, or live with friends or family with additional support arranged as required.
ILO is distinct from traditional group homes, as it prioritises independence and customisation, giving participants the opportunity to shape their living environment according to their personal goals and preferences.
Other benefits of NDIS Individual Living Options (ILO) include:
- Personalised Living arrangements – ILO allows you to design a living situation that suits your unique preferences and needs, whether that means living alone, with friends, or with a host family.
- Tailored support – ILO provides support that adapts to your specific goals, lifestyle, and changing needs, ensuring you receive the right assistance without compromising your independence.
- Community integration – If you choose to live with a host or housemates, ILO can promote social connections and allow you to actively participate in community life.
- Cost effective – ILO offers a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional supported living, as the services and supports can be customised as and when you need them.
Do I Qualify For NDIS Individual Living Options?
To qualify for NDIS Individual Living Options (ILO), you need to meet the following criteria:
- NDIS participant - You must be an active participant in the NDIS, with an approved NDIS plan that includes funding for supported independent living or related supports.
- Living independence - ILO is designed for participants who want more control over their living arrangements and are seeking flexible support to live independently or with chosen housemates or a host.
- Support needs - You must require assistance with daily living activities but wish to shape how and where this support is delivered. ILO is typically for people who need support with tasks like personal care, household management, or safety, but who want to maintain as much autonomy as possible.
- Person-centred goals - ILO is suitable for those who have goals related to independent living, community integration, and personal growth that can be supported by tailored living arrangements.
Reach out to one of our team members today to find out more about your options. We can help you to assess whether ILO is the right fit for your situation and goals.
How to apply for Individual Living Options funding
You can apply for NDIS Individual Living Options by following these steps:
- Ensure you’re an approved NDIS participant with an active plan.
- Check if your plan includes supported living or similar funding; request a plan review if needed.
- Discuss with your NDIS planner or support coordinator about your interest in ILO.
- As registered ILO providers, Maple Community Services can help you to create a tailored living arrangement plan.
- We will collaborate with you to submit a detailed proposal to the NDIA.
- The NDIA can then review and approve the ILO funding if it is found to be appropriate for your needs.
- Your customised living arrangements can then be implemented with approved ILO support.
Be sure to communicate openly with your NDIS Planner and support team throughout the process to ensure you receive the best outcome for your application.
The Maple Commitment
Enquire Today
Whether its a query about the services we provide, or just a general enquiry, we would love to hear from you!