What are individualised living options (ILO) and how can they benefit me

Individualised Living Options (ILO) is a flexible NDIS funding package that provides participants with genuine choice about where they live and how they receive support. This support option helps people with disabilities create living arrangements tailored to their unique needs, preferences, and goals. ILO funding focuses on delivering the right supports rather than paying for the house itself.

What Individualised Living Options Truly Mean

Individualised Living Options are designed for NDIS participants aged 18 or over who need substantial daily assistance. These supports help you live independently in your chosen home environment - whether alone, with family, friends, or a host. ILO provides the flexibility to design living arrangements that work specifically for you.

The fundamental principle behind ILO is putting you in control of your living situation. Rather than fitting into existing accommodation models, ILO allows you to design supports around your preferences, strengths, and requirements. This approach recognises that everyone's needs and preferences differ regarding their home environment.

ILO typically suits participants who need at least six hours of daily support, are ready to explore different living options, and are willing to invest time in planning their future home situation. The scheme offers structured yet flexible assistance that adapts to your changing needs over time.

The Two-Stage ILO Process

The ILO process unfolds in two distinct stages, each serving a specific purpose in establishing your ideal living arrangement. Understanding these stages helps you navigate the pathway to securing appropriate funding.

Stage 1 involves exploration and design. During this phase, you work with support providers to determine suitable living options and identify necessary supports. This process includes exploring your vision for your future home, finding suitable housing, deciding who to live with, determining needed supports, and assessing potential risks. Depending on your situation, the NDIS may fund between 30-100 hours for this stage.

Stage 2 focuses on implementing your chosen supports once your service proposal is approved. Your plan will include primary supports (like personal care and daily assistance) and supplementary supports that can be used flexibly. Funding for this stage varies based on your needs, ranging from approximately $105,000 to $230,000 per year across three levels.

Key Benefits of Choosing ILO

ILO offers several meaningful advantages that can significantly improve your life quality and independence. With ILO funding, you gain greater control over your living arrangements, allowing you to choose where you live and who you live with - whether alone, with family, or with friends.

The flexibility extends to housing types as well. ILO supports can be provided whether you rent, have a mortgage, or own your property outright. This versatility makes ILO suitable for various situations, from moving out of home for the first time to changing unsuitable living arrangements.

Perhaps most importantly, ILO provides consistency in your support network. The program helps establish stable, reliable supports tailored to your specific needs. These supports evolve with you as your requirements change, creating a sustainable living environment that promotes long-term independence.

ILO also emphasises community inclusion, helping you build connections and participate actively in your community. This approach reduces isolation and fosters meaningful social relationships, contributing to overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Different Living Arrangements Under ILO

ILO accommodates various living arrangements to suit different preferences and support needs. These options provide flexibility in how and where you receive support.

In co-residency arrangements, you receive full-time or part-time support in your own home from someone who lives with you. This person might pay reduced rent in exchange for providing some assistance, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Host arrangements involve living full-time in the home of a non-related host who provides certain supports. This option offers a family-like environment while maintaining professional support standards.

If you prefer living alone, ILO can fund support workers to visit your home regularly, helping with personal care, meal preparation, and other daily tasks while preserving your privacy and independence.

Some participants choose to live together with others who have disability support needs, sharing certain supports while maintaining individual NDIS plans. This arrangement combines independence with cost-effective support delivery.

What ILO Covers and Doesn't Cover

Understanding what ILO does and doesn't fund helps set realistic expectations about this support option. ILO funding covers assistance with deciding where to live, help setting up and managing your home, support workers for personal care and household tasks, skill development assistance, and emotional or behavioural support.

ILO does not pay for housing costs such as rent or mortgage payments. It also doesn't cover everyday expenses like groceries, utility bills, or standard household items. Activities outside the home, such as work, study, or community activities, fall outside ILO funding as well. Home modifications require separate NDIS funding streams.

Getting ILO in Your NDIS Plan

To access ILO funding, speak with your Local Area Coordinator or NDIS Planner about including home and living goals in your plan. They can help determine if ILO suits your situation and assist with necessary paperwork.

The NDIS will assess your request based on whether the supports are reasonable and necessary for your needs. If approved, you'll first receive funding for the exploration and design stage, followed by implementation funding after your service proposal is accepted.