The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides a range of support, and two of the most popular living arrangements are Individual Living Options (ILO) and Supported Independent Living (SIL). These both promote independence; however, they are structured differently to address certain preferences and needs.
We highlight the key differences between the two to give you a better understanding of which option is right for you.
Individual Living Options (ILO)
An ILO is a good fit for people who need help figuring out how they want to live because they aren’t sure yet. If you have lower support needs, prefer drop-in support as required, and one-on-one support from your support workers, an ILO is a good fit.
- The living arrangements vary, including options to live with housemates or a host.
- The support arrangements can include a combination of information support from family and friends, along with paid support.
- A support coordinator will work with you to explore the different living options available to you and which might be the best fit.
- An ILO is highly flexible. If you want to adjust support, you can! It’s all about providing support based on your needs and personal choices.
Who it is for: A participant with cerebral palsy who doesn’t rely on full-time care but would benefit from flexible support. ILO funding can cover the cost of rent, and the Support Coordinator will work to design the dwelling, arrange drop-in care visits, and, due to its flexibility, the arrangement can be tweaked when required.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
If you know exactly how you want to live and precisely how much support you will need, then SIL might be the perfect fit. Supported Independent Living (SIL) is usually more suitable for people who have higher support needs and require 24/7 support from live-in support workers. The support staff is shared with the other housemates, ensuring everyone has a high level of support and care when required.
- The Supported Independent Living route usually involves shared accommodation.
- The support package only includes paid supports, and the Support Coordinator is on-hand to help you find a suitable living arrangement, which is managed by the SIL provider.
- The SIL route is less flexible; when you’re making changes, it leads to a reassessment, which could include changing housemates or moving homes.
- The supports are based on the individual’s preferences, goals, and needs.
Who it is for: A participant with autism who struggles with daily tasks, but wants independence. SIL funding can place participants in a shared home with a live-in support worker and young adult housemates. They receive independence, and family members get the peace of mind that there’s support there if and when required.
ILO Versus SIL
An ILO is often beneficial for certain participants, providing less intrusive support to ensure more independent living. For the people who need oversight, but not hands-on support. It’s also a more natural living environment, which instils participants with a greater sense of independence. With an ILO, participants can determine when and where support is provided, which makes participants feel less surveilled. The social relationships are one of the driving benefits of the ILO, with shared accommodation providing organic social situations for participants.
While there are many benefits to the ILO route, it’s impossible to overlook the SIL route for participants in need of continuous hands-on care. If a participant requires 24/7 support, whether due to complex medical or behavioural needs, the SIL route provides a structured environment.
Through understanding each participant’s needs, a living support option can be found that will work for them and provide the best type of independent living.
How Funding Works
NDIS funding generally works by assigning dollar amounts to each category, but both the ILO and SIL routes are different. With ILO and SIL, you work with your Support Coordinator to build a package that works for you.
| ILO Funding | SIL Funding | Traditional NDIS Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Funding is flexible, and customised support is a key facet of the ILO route. | Funding is flexible, and your Support Coordinator will work with you to deliver support dependent on your needs. | Fixed dollar amount, according to the relevant support category budget. |
| You will have an assigned Support Coordinator, who will help you find suitable living arrangements. | Your assigned Support Coordinator will work alongside you and the relevant professionals to assess your needs and find the best living match. | You choose your provider based on the budget the NDIS sets. |
| There is a two-stage process. First comes exploration and design, which is when your Support Coordinator works with you to decide what and where support is required. The second step is implementing your preferred supports. | Rather than basing quotes on individual living needs, the SIL route provides a quote for the whole house based on everyone’s needs. | It’s as simple as signing up and receiving the relevant services. |
| ILO funding covers a combination of informal and formal supports, so you can still benefit from a professional drop-in carer while your family provides support. | In the shared support model, the provided care is offered to a shared accommodation, dividing the cost among the housemates. | NDIS funding is completely flexible, so your provider will simply bill your plan as you use services. |
Finding the Right Fit
So, are Individual Living Options the key to unlocking your independence or is Supported Independent Living a better option? It all depends on your support needs, personal goals, and lifestyle preferences. If you’re looking for frequent support in an organised environment, SIL may provide the structure you’re looking for. However, if you’re looking for more freedom and occasional support, ILO may be more preferable to your needs.
If you’re not sure which living arrangement is right for you, you can explore both possibilities with your Support Coordinator. It will all depend on how you want to live, how involved you prefer to be in managing supports, and how much support you need. Whichever path is the best fit, you should feel safe and supported as you take control of your future.
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