Individualised Living Options (ILO) Explained: How the NDIS Empowers Your Choices
Individualised Living Options, aka ILO, under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), are flexible and person-centred supports. It gives you the freedom to choose not only where you live, but also who you live with and the kind of support you receive.
Unlike more traditional, rigid housing setups, ILO is about creating a customized living arrangement for you. It's a fundamental change, moving from a one-size-fits-all model that affects your personal options, freedom, and authority.
This comprehensive guide explains what the ILO is, how it works, eligibility criteria, different living models, and how the NDIS helps empower your choices.
ILO vs. Other NDIS Supports
Figuring out if an ILO (Individual Living Options) is the right fit for you is easier when you understand how it's different from other NDIS supports. While options like Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provide important help, they usually work within a more set framework.
| Support Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Individualised Living Options (ILO) | Highly flexible and person-centred. You choose your living partners and support model. | People who want complete control over their living situation and who they live with. |
| Supported Independent Living (SIL) | Roster of paid support workers in a shared living environment. | Individuals with high support needs who need help with daily tasks, 24/7. |
| Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) | Housing for people with high-level functional impairment or very high support needs. | Individuals who require a specialised home due to their disability. |
| Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) | Temporary housing for NDIS participants while they await long-term housing solutions. | Participants in a transition period (e.g., waiting for their SDA home to be ready). |
The main thing that sets ILO apart is its focus on giving you the most flexibility and control. It's really about designing a living situation that's perfectly tailored to what you want and need. This means you have the freedom to choose where you live, whether that's with friends, family, in a shared house, or more independently.
How ILO Models Work and Who Is Eligible
The ILO provides a variety of living arrangements, designed to fit each different lifestyle and needs. As an NDIS participant, you have the power to find out which option seems right for you:
Living Independently with Support: You have your own living space, with support workers helping you with daily tasks as needed.
Living with Friends or Family: You get to maintain close social connections, with tailored support that fits into your existing living situation.
Host Arrangements: A professional or trusted person acts as a host, providing support while respecting your independence.
Shared Living or Co-Residency: You share a home with others, balancing privacy with companionship and support built around the group's needs.
To access ILO, you must meet the standard NDIS eligibility criteria:
Be aged 18 years or older.
Have a permanent and significant disability.
Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
Be accepted into the NDIS program.
Benefits of NDIS Individualised Living Options
NDIS ILOs benefits are life-changing and highly personal:
Support Specific to Your Needs: Services that are developed around your own requirements and aims.
Autonomous Living: An independent living setting under your control.
Social Inclusion: A chance to live in community situations.
Availability of Assistive Technology: Equipment and tools to aid you in living comfortably.
Flexibility and Control: Your living arrangements and supports should change if your needs change.
Empowering Your Choices Through the NDIS Planning Process
The NDIS planning process is central to making ILO work for you. When you meet with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator, the discussion focuses on your needs, goals, and preferences about living arrangements. This collaboration is built on the NDIS principle of choice and control.
Instead of fitting into a predetermined service, ILO strengthens you to make a plan that really shows how you want to live. The provider can then help you navigate the application process and connect you with the right services.
For example, a close friend wants to be near, assisting with daily tasks with a reliable host. With the ILO, this individual setup can be funded through your NDIS scheme. This is the kind of empowerment that the ILO, under the NDIS, provides.
How to Get ILO Funding in Your NDIS Plan
Thinking about an ILO is one thing, but getting it approved in your NDIS plan is the key. Follow these steps to prepare for your NDIS meeting:
Make a Plan: Before you meet with a planner, think about your ideal living situation. Who would you like to live with? What kind of support would make you feel most independent? What are your goals for community involvement?
Gather Your Evidence: The NDIS needs proof that ILO is the right fit. This can be a report from an Occupational Therapist or a support coordinator that explains your specific needs and why a flexible ILO model is better for you than traditional housing options.
Create a "Home and Living" Plan: With the help of a support coordinator or an ILO provider, you'll create a detailed proposal. This document outlines the support models you're considering and a budget, showing the NDIS exactly how your ILO would work.
Be Clear with Your Planner: During your planning meeting, be ready to confidently explain why you want an ILO. Use your evidence and your "Home and Living" plan to show how this option will help you achieve your goals and live a more independent life.
Closing Note
Individualised Living Options under the NDIS is a commitment that strengthens your right to live life on your terms. With ILO, you get control, options, and flexibility to make your living position really your own.
If you or any of your loved ones want to access ILO services, you can connect to the Access Foundation today. Our dedicated and expert professionals can evaluate your living options and seamlessly navigate the NDIS process, customize your plan, and provide end-to-end support throughout the transition.
Discover how to strengthen your choice with NDIS ILO in Perth and other Australian regions!
Frequently Asked Questions About ILO NDIS
Q1: What are Individualised Living Options (ILO)?
ILO is a person-centred NDIS support that allows you to choose your living arrangements and support services to fit your lifestyle.
Q2: How does the ILO enhance personal choice and control?
ILO empowers you to decide where and with whom you live, as well as the type and level of support you receive, promoting independence.
Q3: Can I get ILO funding for rent?
No, ILO funding is not for rent or mortgage payments. It covers the support you need to live in your chosen home, not the accommodation itself.
Q4: How do I find an ILO provider?
You can search for "ILO NDIS providers in [Your Location]" or contact us directly for guidance.