Individualised Living Options (ILO)
How Individualised Living Options (ILO) let you design your own NDIS living arrangement — the two funding stages, who it suits, and ILO vs SIL
What Individualised Living Options (ILO) actually is
The common shapes an ILO can take
How ILO funding works: the two stages
Who ILO suits
ILO vs SIL: the key differences
How to start an ILO
Safeguards, choice and control
Common pitfalls to avoid
Frequently asked questions
How is ILO different from SIL?
SIL usually funds a rostered team supporting you in a shared home, with housemates often matched by the provider based on support needs. ILO funds a living arrangement you help design — you choose whether to live with a host, chosen housemates, or alone — and it blends paid support with unpaid help from the people in…
Can I use ILO to live alone?
Yes. Living alone with a planned support network is one of the recognised ILO shapes. The design stage works out the mix of paid workers, informal supports and community connections that make living on your own safe and sustainable. Whether it is funded depends on the NDIA's assessment of your individual situation.
Who helps me design an ILO?
An ILO provider does the design work with you during Stage 1 (Exploration and Design), alongside the people who know you well. A support coordinator often helps you raise ILO and complete the Home and Living request, and an occupational therapist (OT) may provide supporting evidence. You stay at the centre of every…
Can I move from SIL to ILO?
It is possible to change your home-and-living support if your needs or goals change, but it is not automatic. You would raise it at a plan review and, with your support coordinator, make the case through a Home and Living request for the NDIA to consider. Give yourself time, as designing an ILO is not instant.
Does ILO pay my rent?
No. Like other NDIS supports, ILO funds the support around how you live, not the dwelling or your rent. You pay rent and everyday living costs from your own income — commonly the Disability Support Pension (DSP) and Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA). Confirm the current figures with Services Australia.