A big part of growing older is claiming your independence. Finding yourself as an adult, navigating life and its dilemmas, making your own decisions. But some of us need a bit more support than others.
That’s not to say there’s a lack of independence in that, but there’s a way to facilitate a sense of independence with others involved in your life.
One of the things that promotes a sense of freedom, autonomy and confidence is living in your own space. Stepping into a space that’s entirely your own—whether it’s a cosy studio apartment, a shared house with friends, or even a room in a bustling community—marks a significant milestone in the journey toward independence. Living outside of the family home offers a unique blend of freedom and responsibility that can be both exhilarating and transformative.
It’s an opportunity to curate your environment, make decisions that reflect your values, and cultivate a lifestyle that resonates with who you are. From the joy of decorating your room to navigating the challenges of cohabitation, each experience contributes to personal growth, teaching you the art of compromise, the value of boundaries, and the importance of self-care.
That’s why the NDIS created funding groups for a variety of home and living supports. Meaning you will find the right option for you.
What is ILO?
ILO – or an Individualised Living Option, if you fancy saying a lot of words – is an NDIS option for housing, allowing those to live where they want, with the supports they need to be independent. And achieve their goals.
As “individualised” suggests, it’s about a personalised approach to your individual situation; finding out the best housing option – or living option – for you. This might be with a host, or with a few housemates, or on your own (for the most part) with regular supports coming in to make it a sustainable living situation for you.
The key thing with ILO is: it’s your choice.
But that’s not to say there isn’t a bit of a run-around to get you started. It is the NDIS after all. Evidence is critical.
How to apply for NDIS ILO funding
ILO is (usually) funded in two stages:
- Exploration and Design
- ILO Support
First and foremost, one of your NDIS goals needs to be around living independently otherwise, why would the NDIS fund it? You have to express your life goals that can be supported by NDIS funding.
Something like, “I want to live independently with friends” or “I want to move out of my family home in the next year.”
So, now the fun bit. Your vision for your independent living situation. This aids the exploration and design part of ILO. Whether you see yourself in an apartment with friends, or in a home with a host, you need to share this with those involved in the ILO process.
It’s worth noting that your ILO package – when it’s granted – depicts supports you need in your own home. Not all of your NDIS supports. So you’ll still be able to access other funding groups like Community Access Supports, Employment Supports, Assistive Technology, Therapy and other Capacity Building Supports.
Your ILO support package will be listed as a stated line item in your Core budget in your NDIS Plan. This also means that it isn’t flexible, the funding can solely be used for ILO support (unlike other funding options which are more flexible).
What is an ILO host?
An option for an ILO Support model is to live with a host. But, what does that mean?
Hosts are non-related families, or individuals, who wish to share their life (and home!) with a person with a disability. Commonly, it’s where someone has a spare room. A host provides company and support to the NDIS Participant, in return for payment or for reimbursement.
Depending on how much support the person needs, it can either be a permanent thing or just during weekends.
Now that’s cleared up, let’s review the stages:
Stage 1 – Exploration and Design
This is the process of deciding the structure of an ILO that will work for you. This might include trialing some living situations through STA. And, don’t feel you have to rush this. It might take time to gather enough information and to get you comfortable with it. Living independently is a big thing for so many of us.
Also, you will be investigating this with your support team – your Support Coordinator, ILO provider (like us – Kimberley Care Group!), your therapy team, your Behaviour Support Practitioner (if applicable), your family, friends, and even your medical team.
After gathering ‘data’, if you will, you will then develop and submit an ILO Service Proposal. This is where you show the evidence for why (and how) you’ve decided on the ILO support model that you’ve chosen. As well as the expected annual cost (the NDIS needs figures, people).
Stage 2 – ILO Support
After granting your NDIS funding for ILO, you can begin implementing the services and supports.
And don’t worry, there is room to adjust your supports, as your needs might evolve or alternate over time.
ILO Support packages vary between $105,000 – $230,000 annually. And you can choose to manage your funding the same way you do with your other supports, i.e. self/plan/agency. We have an article on that here.
Need support with ILO, or want to find out how Kimberley Care Group can help you live your most independent life? Reach out today via the Contact us button on our website.
For more specific details on ILO, refer to the NDIS website or contact your NDIS representative.
References:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/individualised-living-options