What is the Best NDIS Living Option for You?
Navigating the NDIS and choosing the right living arrangement can be tricky. Two popular options are Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Individualised Living Options (ILO). Both are designed to promote independence but offer different structures based on your needs and preferences. Let’s explore the differences, how they work, and which option might suit you best.
How SIL and ILO Funding Works Compared to Other NDIS Supports
Unlike most NDIS funding, which assigns specific dollar amounts to categories, SIL and ILO require collaboration with your Support Coordinator and providers to develop the right package for you. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
How Most NDIS Funding Works | How SIL Funding Works | How ILO Funding Works |
Fixed dollar amounts: Your NDIS plan assigns budgets to categories like Core Supports. | No fixed budget assigned: SIL funding is flexible and depends on your assessed support needs | No fixed budget assigned: ILO is about building a customised support arrangement |
Choose service providers: You select providers to fit within your budget. | Collaboration with providers: You work with a Support Coordinator and professionals to assess your needs. | Exploring options: Your Support Coordinator helps you explore living arrangements that suit your lifestyle. |
Simple sign-up: You sign agreements and receive services. | House-specific quote: The SIL provider creates a quote for the entire house, based on shared support needs | Two-stage process: ILO involves:1. Exploration & Design: Deciding where to live and what support is needed.2. ILO Supports: Implementing your chosen arrangement |
Flexible use of funds: Providers bill your plan as services are used. | Shared support model: Care is provided in shared accommodation, with costs split between housemates. | Customised supports: A mix of formal and informal supports (family or drop-in carers) is included. |
Breaking Down the Key Differences Between SIL and ILO
To help you understand which option might work better for you, here’s a detailed comparison:
Supported Independent Living (SIL) | Individualised Living Options (ILO) |
Suitable for people who know how they want to live and how much support they’ll need. | Suitable for people who aren’t sure how they want to live and need help figuring it out. |
Best for people with higher support needs. | Best for people with lower support needs. |
Provides 24/7 support with live-in workers. | Provides drop-in support workers when needed. |
Support staff are shared with housemates. | Support workers provide one-on-one support during visits. |
Typically involves shared accommodation managed by a SIL provider. | Can involve varied living arrangements, often with a host or housemates. |
Support package includes paid supports only. | Includes a mix of paid and informal supports (e.g., family, friends). |
Support Coordinator helps find a suitable house. | Support Coordinator helps explore various living options. |
Managed by the SIL provider. | Managed with support from your ILO provider. |
Less flexible—changes may require reassessment, moving homes, or changing housemates. | Highly flexible—you can adjust supports as needed. |
Supports are based on your needs, goals, and preferences. | Supports are based on your personal choices. |
SIL in Action
Ben’s SIL Journey: Embracing Independence in a Shared Home
Ben, a 22-year-old living in Brisbane, has autism and struggles with day-to-day tasks like cooking and managing money. He craves independence, but his parents worry about him living on his own. With SIL funding, Ben moves into a shared home with two other young adults.
Each housemate has their own bedroom and shares common areas like the kitchen and living room. A support worker lives on-site and helps Ben and his housemates with personal care, meal prep, and planning social activities. The structured support ensures Ben stays on top of his routines while learning valuable skills like budgeting and meal planning.
His parents feel reassured knowing someone is always there if Ben needs help, while Ben enjoys having housemates and participating in activities that build his independence.
ILO in Action
Claire’s ILO Adventure: Designing Her Own Lifestyle
Claire, a 34-year-old from the Sunshine Coast, has cerebral palsy and prefers a quiet, independent lifestyle. She doesn’t need full-time care but benefits from occasional support. With ILO funding, Claire decides to rent a small apartment near her sister. She works with her Support Coordinator to design her living arrangement.
During the Exploration and Design phase, Claire chooses to have a drop-in carer visit three times a week to help with groceries, cleaning, and meal prep. Her sister also provides informal support on weekends, taking her to medical appointments and family gatherings.
In the ILO Support phase, Claire’s plan comes to life. Her carer visits as scheduled, and Claire enjoys the independence of managing her own home. If she ever needs more support, the ILO arrangement is flexible enough to adjust quickly. For Claire, ILO offers the perfect balance of independence and support.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between SIL and ILO comes down to your personal goals, support needs, and lifestyle preferences. SIL offers a more structured, supportive environment for people who need frequent help, while ILO provides the freedom to design a customised living arrangement with occasional support.
If you’re still unsure which option suits you, your Support Coordinator can help you explore both possibilities. The right choice will depend on how much support you need, how you want to live, and how involved you want to be in managing your supports.
Where to now?
Whether you choose the structured support of SIL or the flexibility of ILO, both arrangements are designed to help you live your best life with the right level of care. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—what matters is finding the option that makes you feel safe, supported, and in control of your future.
With SIL or ILO, the goal is the same: to empower you to live a life full of choice, independence, and happiness. Whatever path you choose, there are supports available to help you make it happen.
Contact our team at Wellness Australia Group to learn about our ILO and SIL services. Email info@wellnessaustraliagroup.com.au or call 1300 209 420
