Individualised Living Options (ILO) Under the NDIS: Is It Right for You?
Individualised living options (ILO) NDIS explained: what it funds, the two stages, how it compares to SIL and SDA, and how to know if it suits you.
What are individualised living options (ILO) under the NDIS?
How do individualised living options (ILO) work? The two stages
The four common ILO models
Is ILO right for you? Who it suits
ILO vs SIL vs SDA: a quick comparison
How to get ILO included in your NDIS plan
A real-life scenario
How the 2026-2027 NDIS reforms affect ILO
Common pitfalls to avoid
What to do next
Frequently asked questions
Does ILO pay my rent or buy me a house?
No. ILO funds the supports that help you live the way you choose — support workers, host or co-resident arrangements, and skill-building. You still pay your own rent, board or mortgage from your everyday income, the same as any other tenant. If the barrier is finding a suitable, accessible home rather than the support around you, that points more towards SDA or the general rental market.
What is the difference between ILO and SIL?
Both are home and living supports, but they suit different needs. ILO is more flexible and individual — it is built around one person who wants choice over where and how they live and who needs less than round-the-clock support. SIL usually funds shared support in a shared home, often 24/7. Neither is better; the right one depends on how much support you need and how you want to live.
Will the NDIS reforms cut my ILO funding?
The government has said critical daily-living and personal-care supports are not part of the participation reset that begins from 1 October 2026, and home and living supports like ILO fall in that essential category. However, from 1 April 2027 a new support-needs assessment will progressively change how supports are assessed. Dates have shifted before, so confirm current timing with the NDIA, and remember no one can predict your individual outcome.
How do I get ILO funding in my plan?
Raise your interest in ILO with your planner, LAC or support coordinator before your planning meeting. Usually you first request Exploration and Design funding to work out your ideal arrangement, then submit the resulting design to request ongoing ILO funding. Reports from allied health professionals about your functional support needs, and a clear account of why your current living situation is not working, strengthen the request.
Can I choose who I live with under ILO?
Yes — that choice is central to ILO. Depending on the model you design, you might live alone with drop-in support, live with a host individual or family, share with a co-resident who provides some support, or live with housemates you choose. The Exploration and Design stage is where you test these options and decide what genuinely suits you.