An NDIS Individualised Living Option (ILO) is designed for participants who want greater choice and control over how and where they live — without needing full-scale supported accommodation like SIL.
However, not every NDIS participant is automatically eligible for ILO. Eligibility depends on support needs, living goals, funding alignment, and long-term independence outcomes, not just diagnosis or age.
This guide clearly explains who qualifies for an ILO, how eligibility is assessed, and when ILO is the right option under the NDIS.
What Is an NDIS Individualised Living Option (ILO)?
An Individualised Living Option (ILO) is a flexible NDIS support model that helps participants live in a home of their choice with tailored supports, rather than in group-based or rostered accommodation.
ILO focuses on:
- Stable living arrangements
- Individualised supports (not shared rosters)
- Long-term independence and inclusion
- Participant-led decision-making
You can learn more about how this support works on our NDIS Individualised Living Option (ILO) service page.
What Is an NDIS Individualised Living Option (ILO)?
Eligibility for ILO is outcomes-based, not diagnosis-based. The NDIS looks at whether ILO is a reasonable and necessary support for the participant’s circumstances.
Quick Eligibility Summary
You may be eligible for an NDIS Individualised Living Option (ILO) if you are an active NDIS participant, require flexible and personalised living supports, do not need 24/7 shared supervision like Supported Independent Living (SIL), and have goals focused on independence, choice, and community participation.
You may be eligible for an ILO if the following apply.
Who Is Eligible for an NDIS Individualised Living Option?
To access ILO, you must:
- Be approved for the NDIS
- Have accommodation and living supports included in your plan (or be seeking them during a plan review)
ILO is not a separate program — it must align with your NDIS goals and funding categories.
1. You Are an Approved NDIS Participant
ILO is ideal for participants who:
- Do not need 24/7 shared support
- Want more control over who provides their support
- Prefer living alone, with a partner, or with chosen housemates
- Need flexible, non-rostered assistance
If you require continuous, shared support, Supported Independent Living (SIL) may be more appropriate. For comparison, see our guide on the role of Supported Independent Living in NDIS plans.
2. You Want to Live More Independently (But Still Need Support)
The NDIS assesses whether your support needs can be met through:
- One-on-one or flexible support arrangements
- Informal supports (family, friends, community)
- Paid supports that do not require a group setting
ILO often suits participants who need:
- Daily living assistance
- Help with routines, planning, or decision-making
- Social and community participation support
But not constant supervision or complex medical care.
3. Your Support Needs Can Be Delivered Safely Through ILO
To be eligible for ILO, the NDIS considers whether your proposed living arrangement:
- Is safe and stable
- Can be maintained long-term
- Reduces reliance on crisis accommodation
- Supports independence rather than dependency
This could include:
- Living alone
- Living with chosen supports
- Living with a host or informal arrangement
4. Your Living Arrangement Is Stable and Sustainable
ILO funding is more likely to be approved if your goals include:
- Living independently
- Building daily living skills
- Increasing social participation
- Reducing reliance on group-based supports
The NDIS prioritises supports that build capacity and autonomy, which is why ILO is often approved for participants transitioning away from more structured accommodation.
5. ILO Aligns With Your NDIS Goals
The NDIS looks at:
- Your functional capacity
- Your current and proposed living situation
- Risk and safeguarding considerations
- Whether ILO represents value for money
- Whether it improves long-term outcomes
According to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Support Catalogue, ILO is intended as a long-term alternative to group accommodation, not a temporary solution
(External reference: NDIS official guidance on ILO and home & living supports)
How the NDIS Assesses ILO Eligibility
ILO may not be appropriate if:
- You need continuous 24/7 shared supervision
- Your supports are highly complex or medical
- Your living arrangement cannot be safely sustained
- SIL or SDA better meets your needs
Choosing the wrong model can delay funding approvals, so matching the support type to your needs is critical.
Who Is ILO NOT Suitable For?
Support Type | Best For |
ILO | Flexible, individualised living with tailored supports |
SIL | Shared housing with rostered 24/7 support |
STA | Short-term accommodation or respite |
MTA | Temporary housing while awaiting long-term solutions |
Each support serves a different purpose — eligibility depends on outcomes, not preference alone.
How to Improve Your Chances of ILO Approval
To strengthen your eligibility:
- Clearly explain why ILO suits your needs better than SIL
- Show how ILO supports your independence goals
- Demonstrate stability and safety in your living arrangement
- Work with providers experienced in ILO planning and delivery
Final Thoughts
An NDIS Individualised Living Option is best suited for participants who want choice, flexibility, and long-term independence — without the limitations of group-based accommodation.
Eligibility depends on:
- Your goals
- Your support needs
- Your capacity for independent living
- Whether ILO delivers better outcomes than other options
When correctly matched, ILO can be a powerful pathway toward autonomy, dignity, and community inclusion.
Need help exploring whether ILO is right for you?
Our team supports participants across Australia with NDIS Individualised Living Options, tailored planning, and compliant support delivery. Learn more via our ILO service page or speak with our team to explore suitable options.
FAQ
An NDIS participant may qualify for an Individualised Living Option if they are approved for the NDIS, require flexible and personalised living supports, do not need 24/7 shared supervision, and have goals focused on independence, choice, and community participation. Eligibility is assessed based on outcomes, not diagnosis.
No. ILO is not automatically available to all NDIS participants. The NDIS must determine that ILO is a reasonable and necessary support based on the participant’s needs, living goals, functional capacity, and whether the arrangement is safe, stable, and sustainable long term.
The key difference is flexibility and support structure.
ILO provides individualised, non-rostered supports tailored to a participant’s chosen living arrangement, while SIL involves shared housing with 24/7 rostered support. ILO suits participants who want more independence and control and do not require constant supervision.
No. ILO does not require you to live alone. Participants can live alone, with a partner, with chosen housemates, or in a host arrangement, as long as the living setup supports independence and meets NDIS safety and sustainability requirements.
Yes. ILO is often approved for participants transitioning away from more structured supports like SIL when it better aligns with their goals, reduces dependency, and delivers improved long-term outcomes.
No. ILO funding does not cover rent or general living expenses. It funds the supports required to help you live independently. Housing costs are typically covered through personal income, rent assistance, or other arrangements.
