NDIS Individualised Living Option (ILO): Your Path to Independent Living

At Horizon Community Services, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live life on their own terms. The NDIS provides many supports to help people with disabilities achieve this, and one of the most empowering options is the Individualised Living Option (ILO).

Designed to give you greater flexibility and control over your living arrangements, ILO makes it possible to build a home environment that reflects your lifestyle, preferences, and cultural identity.

What is an NDIS Individualised Living Option (ILO)?

An NDIS Individualised Living Option is not about funding a specific house—it’s about creating a living arrangement that works for you. With ILO, you decide:

• Where and how you want to live

• Who you want to live with

• The type of supports you need day-to-day

It’s a tailored pathway that puts you in control, ensuring your home environment truly feels like home.

How Does ILO Work?

ILO follows a two-stage process:

1. Exploration and Design – You work with your provider to explore your preferences, goals, and daily living needs. Together, you’ll design a support plan that reflects your independence and comfort.

2. Implementation and Monitoring – Once your plan is approved, the supports are set in place. These arrangements are regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to suit your evolving needs and goals.

At Horizon, our role is to walk alongside you through every stage, offering compassionate guidance, 24/7 on-call support, and culturally matched staff to make the transition seamless.

Who Can Access ILO?

ILO is available for NDIS participants who:

• Are 18 years or older

• Have an approved NDIS plan

• Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident

• Require significant support to live independently

If you meet these criteria, ILO could be the stepping stone to greater independence and community connection. Contact us today.

Benefits of Individualised Living Options

Choosing an ILO brings a range of life-changing benefits:

1. Personalised Support

Every individual is unique. ILO ensures that your supports are designed specifically for your goals, lifestyle, and cultural values.

2. Choice and Flexibility

Shared living, living alone with support, or another arrangement, you decide what feels right for you.

3. Greater Independence

With ILO, you’re in control of your living environment, daily routines, and decisions, building confidence and self-reliance.

4. Assistive Technology and Modifications

From communication devices to mobility aids and home modifications, ILO may include technology and adjustments to make independent living easier.

5. Community Inclusion

Living independently doesn’t mean living alone. ILO encourages active participation in the community, helping you connect, engage, and thrive socially.

What’s the Difference Between ILO and SIL?

When exploring independent living supports, you may come across both Individualised Living Options (ILO) and Supported Independent Living (SIL). While both are NDIS-funded supports, they work very differently.

Individualised Living Options (ILO)

• Flexibility and Choice – You design how and where you live.

• Personalised Support – Supports are tailored to your goals and preferences.

• Community Focus – Encourages independence and participation in community life.

• Best for: People who want a living arrangement shaped around their independence and lifestyle.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) 

• Shared Living – Usually in a group home or shared setting.

• Structured Support – Onsite staff provide daily living assistance and often 24/7 supervision.

• Higher Support Needs – Designed for those requiring intensive, ongoing care.

• Best for: People who need continuous support in a structured home environment.

Key Difference at a Glance

• ILO = independence and flexibility — you design your living arrangement.

• SIL = shared, structured support — you live with others and receive onsite care.

Horizon’s Difference

At Horizon Community Services, we don’t just provide support, we match you with the right staff, respect your cultural background, and ensure you always have someone to call on. Our person-centred approach means your living arrangement isn’t just practical, but meaningful.

Start Your Independent Living Journey

The NDIS Individualised Living Option is more than a housing choice, it’s a chance to design a life filled with independence, empowerment, and community connection.

If you’re ready to explore independent living options under the NDIS, our friendly Horizon team is here to help.

Discover the Horizon Difference. Reach Out Today.
Call us on 07 3520 8909