Updated on February 11, 2026
When it comes to living arrangements under the NDIS, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. That’s where Individualised Living Options (ILO) come in. It is a flexible approach to home and living supports that puts you in the driver’s seat. Unlike traditional group home models, ILO is all about designing a living arrangement that matches your unique needs, preferences, and goals.
Think of ILO as a personalised package of support that helps you live where you want, how you want, and with whom you want. It’s not about the building itself – the NDIS doesn’t fund your rent or mortgage – but rather the support arrangements that make your chosen home work for you.
The four main ILO living models
1. Host living (Host arrangements)
In a host living arrangement, you live full-time in the home of a non-related host – an individual, couple, or family who welcomes you into their home and provides agreed-upon support. This model creates a family-like environment where you’re part of the household, sharing everyday moments while receiving the disability-related support you need.
Your host provides both practical assistance (like help with personal care, meal preparation, or household tasks) and emotional support, offering companionship and connection. The level of support varies based on your individual needs and what’s outlined in your ILO service proposal form.
Who is host living ideal for?
Host living works particularly well if you value close relationships and prefer the warmth of a family environment. It’s a great option if you’re looking for consistent support in a home setting but don’t want the formality of rostered 24/7 care. Many people find that living with a host helps them feel more connected to their community while maintaining their independence.
2. Co-residency
Co-residency flips the script – instead of moving into someone else’s home, you have your own home and choose a support person, friend, or caregiver to live with you, either full-time or part-time. This arrangement gives you the stability of living in your own space while having someone there to provide the support you need.
Your co-resident might help with daily living activities, provide companionship, and offer assistance when needed. Depending on the type and level of support provided, you may negotiate payment, reduced rent, or other arrangements that work for both of you.
Who is co-residency ideal for?
Co-residency is perfect if you already have your own place (or want to find one) and prefer to maintain that independence while having support close at hand. It works well for people who don’t need constant supervision but benefit from having someone around who understands their needs and can help when required.
3. Living alone
Don’t let the name fool you – living alone under ILO doesn’t mean you’re truly on your own. This model allows you to live independently in your own home while receiving support through various means. You might have drop-in supports, regular visits from paid support workers, help from family and friends, or a combination of formal and informal supports.
The key here is flexibility. Your support can be scheduled around your routines and needs, whether that’s daily assistance with personal care, weekly help with household tasks, or occasional support for specific activities. You maintain complete control over your living space and daily routines while accessing the help you need to thrive.
Who is living alone ideal for?
This model suits people who value their privacy and independence but recognize they need some level of support to live safely and comfortably. It’s ideal if you’re confident in managing many aspects of your life but need assistance with specific areas, such as medication management, meal preparation, or personal care.
4. Living together
In this arrangement, you share a home with one or more people of your choice, and that can be friends, other NDIS participants, or housemates you’ve connected with. Everyone in the household receives the support they need, which might be shared support or individual support tailored to each person’s requirements.
Living together combines the social benefits of shared living with personalised support. It’s about creating a household where everyone contributes to the home environment while receiving the assistance they need to live independently. Unlike traditional group homes, you have significant say in who you live with and how the household operates.
Who is living together ideal for?
This model works wonderfully if you enjoy company and want to build meaningful relationships with the people you live with. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to live alone but also don’t want the traditional group home experience. Many people find that living with chosen housemates creates a sense of community while maintaining individuality.
How ILO differs from Supported Independent Living (SIL)
You might be wondering how ILO differs from Supported Independent Living (SIL), another NDIS accommodation support option. The key differences lie in flexibility and support intensity.
SIL typically involves programmed support in shared accommodation, often with 24/7 professional supervision. It’s designed for people who require higher levels of care and more constant support. ILO, on the other hand, is generally for people who want more independence and don’t need round-the-clock professional support, even if they do need someone available to help at least some of the time.
ILO is more person-centred and relationship-focused. It blends formal paid supports with informal supports from family, friends, and community connections. This approach reduces reliance on paid hourly support while helping you build a genuine home life that’s integrated into your community.
The two-stage ILO process
Stage 1: Exploration and design
This first stage is all about planning. You’ll work with an ILO provider, your family, friends, and support coordinator to explore different living options and design a package that works for you. This involves:
- Clarifying your vision for home and what that looks like for you
- Exploring different living arrangements and who you might live with
- Understanding what formal and informal supports you’ll need
- Assessing any risks and working out how to manage them
- Developing an ILO service proposal to submit to the NDIA
Stage 2: Implementation
Once your ILO service proposal is approved, Stage 2 funding covers putting your plan into action. This includes:
- Building and implementing your support arrangements
- Finding and connecting with hosts, housemates, or co-residents
- Facilitating agreements between everyone involved
- Providing your primary and supplementary supports
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments as your needs change
Your ILO plan will include both primary supports (like personal care, meal preparation, and household tasks) and supplementary supports that can be used flexibly (such as drop-in support or occasional assistance).
What ILO funding does (and doesn’t) cover
ILO funding DOES cover:
- Payments for hosts or housemates who provide support
- Respite for your host or housemate throughout the year
- Support coordination and monitoring
- Personal care and daily living assistance
- Help with household tasks
- Support to stay connected to your community
ILO funding DOES NOT cover:
- Rent, board, or mortgage payments
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, internet)
- Food and groceries
- Transport costs
- General household items
- Medical expenses
- Activities and entertainment
Is ILO right for you?
ILO might be a good fit if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Want more choice and control over where and how you live
- Need support for at least six hours a day (formal or informal)
- Are ready to invest time in exploring and designing your living arrangement
- Don’t require 24/7 professional support
- Want to live more independently while maintaining necessary supports
- Are looking to move out of home for the first time or transition from SIL
The beauty of ILO is its flexibility. You can start with one model and adjust as your needs or preferences change. Maybe you begin with host living and eventually transition to co-residency or living alone as you build confidence and independence. Your ILO arrangement can evolve with you.
Getting started with ILO
If you’re interested in exploring ILO, the first step is talking to your NDIS planner or support coordinator about your home and living goals. You may need to submit a “change of circumstances” form or a “supporting evidence – home and living” form to request ILO Exploration and Design funding.
Once approved, you’ll receive funding in your NDIS plan specifically for Stage 1 (exploration and design). This is when you’ll partner with an ILO provider to work through all the details and create your personalised service proposal.
Choosing the right ILO provider is important. Look for a provider who:
- Takes time to understand your unique vision and needs
- Offers personalised solutions rather than one-size-fits-all options
- Has experience designing and implementing various ILO models
- Will work with you to address any challenges that arise
- Provides ongoing support and monitoring
At Centre Disability Support, we’re committed to helping you explore what’s possible and design an ILO arrangement that truly works for you. We understand that your home is more than just a place to live – it’s where you build your life, form relationships, and grow your independence.
Conclusion
At its core, ILO is about two fundamental things: choice and connection. Choice in where you live, who you live with, and how you’re supported. Connection to your community, to meaningful relationships, and to a sense of home and belonging.
Whether you thrive in a shared household, prefer the quiet independence of living alone with drop-in support, feel most at home in a family environment, or want someone to share your space with you, there’s an ILO model that can work for you.
The key is taking the time to explore what you truly want and need, then working with experienced providers who can help make that vision a reality. Your home should reflect who you are and support you to live your best life – and that’s exactly what ILO is designed to do.
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