Everything you need to know about independent living options (ILO)

Looking for disability supports or supported accommodation for yourself, a loved one, or a client? You might have heard of ILO NDIS, but what exactly does it mean — and how can you access it?

Here’s everything you need to know about NDIS Individual Living Options (ILO): what it is, how it works, who it’s for, and how to get started.

What is NDIS ILO?

NDIS Individual Living Options (ILO) is a support package designed to help you set up the right living arrangement for your individual needs. It’s important to note that ILO doesn’t fund the cost of accommodation itself — instead, it funds the supports you need to live independently in your chosen home.

ILO is delivered in two key stages:

1. Exploring Your Options – This is where you plan what kind of living setup is right for you. You’ll decide where you want to live, who you want to live with, what supports you’ll need, and who will provide them.

2. Setting Up Your Supports – Once you’ve made your choices, this stage is all about putting them into action. That might include moving into a new home and starting your tailored supports.

What Does an ILO NDIS Provider Do?

An ILO provider helps you design and organise the right supports for how and where you want to live. They’ll work with you to understand your goals, your preferences, and your lifestyle. Then they’ll help you build a personalised support plan that fits.

At Aspire Hub, we tailor our ILO services to suit your needs, your goals, and your vision for your ideal living arrangement — so you can get the most out of your home life.

What’s the Difference Between ILO and SIL?

This is a common question.

ILO (Individual Living Options) is a flexible package of supports that helps you live the way you want, often in your own home or with housemates of your choosing. It can include up to 24 hours of support per day, but is generally more flexible and personalised than SIL.

SIL (Supported Independent Living) is more structured and typically includes 24/7 rostered staff. It’s often used in shared accommodation settings with ongoing paid support around the clock.

In short:

• ILO focuses on designing support around your life and goals.

• SIL provides continuous, rostered care in more formal settings.

And remember — ILO is not funding for your rent or mortgage, just for the supports that help you live independently.

Is ILO NDIS Right for You?

You might be a good fit for ILO if:

• You’re aged 18 or over (or 17 and planning for your future)

• You need support at home for at least 6 hours per day

• You want to live more independently, in a home of your choosing

• You’re ready to explore and design your ideal living situation

ILO is also a great option if you’d like family or friends to be part of your support network. It gives you the flexibility to create a home life that works for you — with formal and informal support combined.

However, ILO may not be suitable if:

• You need less than 6 hours of daily support

• You require 24/7 rostered care and frequent overnight support from multiple workers

What Are the Benefits of ILO?

There are plenty of reasons why people choose ILO NDIS:

• Personal choice – You decide where and how you want to live, and who supports you.

• Greater independence – ILO encourages skill-building and confidence in your home life.

• Flexibility – You can include both paid supports and informal help from family or friends.

• Freedom of location – You don’t need to live near a group home or shared facility.

• Customised support – Whether you need help with personal care, safety, routines, or community access, your plan is built for you.

Plus, you can manage your ILO funding in a way that suits you — through self-management, plan management, or a provider like Aspire Hub.

How Do You Get ILO Funding?

To get ILO NDIS funding, you’ll need to:

1. Include a goal in your NDIS Plan around exploring independent living or housing options.

2. Complete a Home and Living Supports Request Form through the NDIS.

3. Submit a Supporting Evidence Form to explain why you need this type of support and how it will help with your disability needs.

Make sure your request clearly shows how ILO meets the NDIS “reasonable and necessary” criteria. You may also need a letter or report from a therapist, support coordinator, or someone in your care team.

Need help with the application process? Aspire Hub is here to guide you.

How Long Does It Take to Access ILO?

At Aspire Hub, we understand how important timely support is. That’s why we offer:

• Fast support access (within 48 hours)

• A friendly, dedicated team to help you from start to finish

• No waiting lists

Start Your ILO Journey with Aspire Hub

If you’re ready to explore your NDIS Individual Living Options, Aspire Hub can help you every step of the way — from designing your living supports to putting your plan into action.

With years of experience and a person-centred approach, we’ll help you create a living arrangement that’s just right for you.

Enquire about ILO NDIS with Aspire Hub
Or call us on (07) 3074 9440 to get started.