Individualised Living Options (ILO) give people with a permanent disability the chance to choose how and where they live. ILO is part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and supports participants to move between different settings or create a home that fits their changing needs. This guide explains what ILO is, who can use it, how to get it, and how it works in Victoria, with examples from Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico.
What Individualised Living Options are and who they help
ILO is a support category that allows participants to access flexible housing arrangements. It can cover shared accommodation, group homes, independent living with support, or a combination of these. The goal is to give people the freedom to live in a setting that matches their preferences and goals, while still receiving the help they need for daily tasks, community participation and health care.
ILO is suitable for people who:
- Have a permanent impairment that limits their independence for at least 12 months;
- Are aged 12–65 and have an NDIS plan that includes ILO as a support type;
- Need help with tasks that cannot be managed alone, such as cooking, cleaning or medication management, but do not require full-time residential care;
- Want to move between different living arrangements or test a new setting before committing to a longer stay.
Eligibility and access rules
To qualify for ILO you must already be an NDIS participant with a plan that lists ILO as a support. The plan must be approved by the NDIS Commission and include a cost estimate for the ILO support. The participant’s goals and the support required must be clearly outlined in the plan. ILO can only be used where the participant lives in Victoria and where an approved provider offers the service.
Access to ILO is governed by the following rules:
- ILO can be added to an existing plan only during a plan review or at the time of initial plan development;
- It must be used within the geographical area covered by the participant’s plan, usually the local service area;
- Funding for ILO is capped by the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which set maximum rates for each type of living arrangement; and
- Participants must provide evidence that the living option is necessary for their goals, such as a statement from a health professional or a housing assessment.
What’s included and what’s not included
Included in an ILO support package are:
- Accommodation costs for the chosen living arrangement, up to the price limit set by the NDIS;
- Assistance with daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and medication management;
- Support for community participation, including transport to social or recreational activities;
- Transition support when moving between different settings, such as help with packing or arranging new utilities;
- Regular reviews and adjustments to the living arrangement as goals change.
What is excluded:
- Private or non-NDIS funded housing costs that exceed the price limits;
- Services that are not directly related to living arrangements, such as therapy or education services;
- Any costs for utilities or household items that are not part of the approved accommodation package;
- Professional services that are not part of the ILO support, such as legal or financial advice, unless they are bundled into the plan as separate supports.
Funding and planning considerations
When budgeting for ILO, participants should refer to the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. These limits specify the maximum amount that can be claimed for shared accommodation, independent living or group homes. The cost of ILO is allocated within the participant’s total budget and can be adjusted during plan reviews.
Planning for ILO involves:
- Working with a planner or support coordinator to identify the type of living arrangement that best meets the participant’s goals;
- Choosing an approved provider that offers the selected arrangement and can deliver the required support hours;
- Ensuring the provider’s services are within the price limits and that the provider holds an active NDIS registration;
- Documenting the participant’s preferences and any special requirements, such as accessibility features or specific support needs;
- Including a transition plan that outlines how the participant will move into or out of the chosen living option.
How to request and activate ILO support
To activate ILO, a participant must:
- Contact their NDIS planner or support coordinator to discuss adding ILO to their plan;
- Provide a written statement of the need for flexible living arrangements, supported by health or housing professionals if necessary;
- Submit the request through the NDIS portal or via the planner, ensuring the plan review date is set to include the ILO support;
- Once approved, the participant can sign a service agreement with an approved provider. The agreement should detail the type of accommodation, support hours, and cost.
After signing the agreement, the participant can begin the ILO service. The provider will report service usage to the NDIS, and the participant will receive funding through the NDIS portal.
Local context: Victoria, Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico
Victoria offers a wide range of approved ILO providers across the state. In the western suburbs, Belgravia has several shared accommodation options that cater to young adults with mild to moderate disability. Chelsea and Pimlico, located on the Mornington Peninsula, provide both independent living and group home options that are ideal for people who wish to remain close to nature while receiving support.
Participants in these areas can find providers that specialise in flexible living arrangements, such as:
- Shared housing with a focus on community integration;
- Independent living with on-call support staff;
- Hybrid models that combine group living with private rooms for privacy.
To discover specific providers, you can visit the NDIS website or contact local disability service organisations. For example, you might explore services listed on NDIS Home Care Supports in Wyndham 35 or NDIS Home Care Supports in Wyndham 34 for providers that operate in nearby regions.
FAQs
What is the difference between Individualised Living Options and residential care?
ILO focuses on flexible living arrangements that allow participants to choose or change settings, while residential care provides continuous, 24‑hour support in a facility. ILO is suitable for those who need support with daily tasks but can live independently or in a shared setting.
Can I switch between different ILO arrangements during my plan?
Yes. ILO is designed to be adaptable. Participants can move between shared accommodation, independent living or group homes as long as the changes are documented in the plan and approved by the NDIS.
How does the NDIS pricing limit affect my ILO budget?
The pricing limit sets the maximum amount that can be claimed for each type of accommodation. If the provider’s rate exceeds the limit, the participant must pay the difference or seek alternative arrangements that stay within the limit.
Do I need a support coordinator to apply for ILO?
You can apply directly through your NDIS planner, but a support coordinator can help navigate the process, especially if you need assistance identifying suitable providers or drafting the transition plan.
What happens if my needs change and I no longer require ILO?
During a plan review, you can adjust or remove ILO from your plan. The NDIS will reallocate the budget to other supports that align with your current goals.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Check your plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator.
