Answering your FAQs about NDIS Independent Living Options

 f you’re looking to live a more independent lifestyle, you may be wondering what Independent Living Options are available to you? We answer some of the most common questions and explore some living options to consider.   

What are some of the living options available for NDIS participants? 

• Individual Living Options (ILO): This option allows NDIS participants to live independently in their own home, apartment, or shared accommodation with other people. Participants receive funding to cover the costs of support services, including personal care, household tasks, and community access. 
• Supported Independent Living (SIL): SIL provides accommodation with support for daily living, such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care. Participants can share a house or apartment with other NDIS participants or live alone. 
• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): SDA provides accommodation for people with high support needs, including specialist features such as assistive technology, accessible design, and 24/7 support. SDA is designed for people who require a high level of support and have complex needs. 

Short Term Accommodation (STA): STA provides temporary accommodation and support for NDIS participants who require respite care, transitional accommodation, or emergency housing. Please note that STA can be provided in a variety of settings, including group homes, hotels, and apartments.

What is ILO and how does it offer independent living? 

An ILO arrangement allows you to access the support you need for any living arrangement in your chosen house. While each arrangement is unique, ILO can include things like personal care, assistance in developing your skills. You may also be supported with household tasks like cooking and shopping. 

It’s important to remember that ILO is a package of supports rather than the type of home you live in. Funding for ILO cannot be used for expenses like your rent or mortgage. 

With ILO, you can choose anyone you want to live with. You can live with friends or housemates, or you can live by yourself. Here are just a few of the many options: 

Housemates 

You can live with other people who will take care of you, help you, and keep you company. Your roommates may receive a payment or have their rent paid for them. 

Mentors 

You might like to live in a place where you have a small group of paid mentors who help you out. A mentor can spend a long time helping someone in direct and indirect ways. 

Live alone 

You might want to live alone or with other people and get help from your family and friends as well as drop-in help. 

No matter who you choose to live with, it’s a chance to get to know your neighbours and build strong bonds with them. 

Who can I live with? 

One of the best parts of ILO is that you have the freedom to choose who you want to live with!  

You can share a home with friends, housemates, or live on your own. One option could be to live with housemates, who will provide you with care and companionship in return for a payment or subsidised rent. Or, you could choose to live with a small team of paid mentors who you have chosen to support you, with the mentors spending extended periods of time providing direct or indirect support.  

Alternatively, you might prefer to live alone or with others, and receive support from your family and friends with additional support from flexible drop-in supports.  

Whatever you decide, you will have the chance to form strong relationships with those around you in a way that suits you best, and still receive the help you need. 

What kind of properties can I live in? 

The choice is yours when it comes to where you live and receive supports. Whether you would like a central, city apartment with drop-in support, or a house in the suburbs with friends and shared support, there are many options to consider! It’s best to talk to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator to learn more and find the best option for your needs.  

You can view available homes for ILO with Aspire Hub here.

How is ILO funded?  

ILO is funded under Core Supports- Assistance with Daily Living on your NDIS plan. ILO doesn’t fund your NDIS accommodation or home modifications, rent, transport or other day to day expenses such as food or activities like playing sport or going out.  

Your ILO and funding will be specific to your needs.  

 How can I add ILO to my NDIS plan? 

Independent living options supports are added to your plan in two stages. 

• Stage 1 – exploring and designing the ILO supports you want and need. This is where you’ll identify where you want to live and who with, as well as what support you’ll need, and who you would like to provide this support.  
• Stage 2 – actioning the plan and putting the supports in place. Your supports will be designed to provide the safety, stability and flexibility you need, but you can always change them if your needs change.  

 How do I get ILO supports in my NDIS plan? 

Ready to start the conversation about adding ILO to your NDIS plan? Contact your LAC or Support Coordinator about exploring your home and living options.  

If you have a goal to explore home and living options, the NDIS will ask you to complete a home and living supporting evidence form.  

Based on the information you provide, the NDIS will consider your request and if it meets the funding criteria, they will determine how much support you need to then explore and design your ILO package.  

Funding for the ILO ‘Exploration and Design’ stage can be self-managed, Agency managed or plan managed.  

 What should I consider when choosing an ILO provider? 

ILO NDIS providers play an important role in helping you set up your ILO arrangement. 
When looking for a provider, there are some things to keep in mind. Your ideal provider should:  

• Listen to you and take the time to really understand your needs  
• Explain things clearly to you 
• Help you to explore about which home and support options might suit you best 
• Be flexible and open to exploring the possibilities for your home and life 

• Identify the supports most suited to you, rather than suggesting a service that might not be right 
• Be accessible and readily available to support you . They must be able and willing to promptly help fix any problems or concerns you may have with your ILO arrangement 

When choosing a provider, it can be helpful to seek the advice or assistance from someone you trust. You can consult your family or friends, people who have already had experience with ILO. You may also choose a support coordinator that has experience in this area.  

Enquire today about ILO with Aspire Hub 

ILO requires pre-approval from the NDIS. If you’re not sure if you have funding, or would like help applying for funding, get in touch with us today.  

With guaranteed response within 1 business day and a dedicated support team, Aspire Hub can offer you support as soon as possible.