Firstly, what is an ILO?
Individualised Living Options (ILOs) are a support arrangement developed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that helps those with a disability choose where and how they live, in the way that best suits them.
Using your ILO funding, you can:
Explore different ways to live – with a Host or Housemate
Design your supports to help you live the way you choose
There are lots of choices with ILO and whilst you can share your home with housemates, or live in the home of a host, it is important to note that an ILO arrangement does not provide housing or assist with the cost of the home, such as rent or a mortgage.
This page outlines the process and stages of an ILO application not only for the Participant but also for potential Hosts and Housemates.
ILO Supports Offered
As an ILO provider, My Supports can offer a range of supports to participants, to help you live in a home environment of your choosing. These supports can include assistance with:
Daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation, and household tasks
Community access and participation
Developing and maintaining social connections
Managing finances and budgeting
Finding and securing suitable accommodation
Developing and implementing an ILO Service Proposal
Setting up and sustaining the participant's preferred way of living
A central part of an ILO is the agreement, which sets out the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of each person in the living situation. We’ll work with you to develop an agreement that meets your needs and preferences.
Have greater freedom with how,
where, and with whom you want to live with.
Process and Stages of an ILO Application - Participant
Stage 1 - Commencing the ILO Process
We recognize that transitioning into independent living can be both exciting and challenging. Be confident that together with you, we will shape a NDIS arrangement that supports and enables you, including helping others understand what you want and how it will work.
To start the ILO process as a participant, your first step is to download, complete and submit the relevant NDIS form; Supporting Evidence form – Home and Living. The client’s Support Coordinator, nominee, or My Support can assist with the completion of this form. This form is located on the NDIS website along with instructions on how to complete and lodge with the NDIA.
The NDIS will review this completed form and any supporting documentation to identify and determine the appropriate home and living supports that may assist you and others in obtaining the most suitable ILO arrangement.
Once processed and approved by the NDIA, you will receive ILO Exploration and Design funding in your NDIA Plan to design an ILO arrangement that best suits you.
Stage 2 - Complete the Starting Questions
After receiving Exploration and Design, participants can proceed to complete our ILO Starting Questions.
My Supports has developed a process that helps those interested in an ILO explore their options, as well as gather the information required to start the assessment process for an ILO arrangement. If you would like to start this process, please complete the starting questions and a My Supports ILO team member will be in touch.
Stage 3 - Once Starting Questions Have Been Submitted
Once the Starting Questions have been completed and submitted, a member of the My Supports ILO Team will contact you to provide further details, outlining the steps involved in exploring and designing your ILO arrangement. Once signed, this will commence the ILO assessment process with My Supports.
Please note, that developing an ILO Service proposal is not a quick process. There are no quick turnarounds in developing a Service Proposal to be submitted to the NDIA for consideration and approval.
The process typically takes 3 months and is dependent on the circumstances and the information required to develop a Service Proposal.
ILOs are completely
customisable and just like people, no two are the same.
Key Stages of an ILO Arrangement – Hosts & Housemates
ILO Hosts and Housemates play a critical role in developing support arrangements that see a person's vision for life come to fruition. Families and individuals interested will be open to building strong relationships, being involved in regular community activities, providing companionship, and contributing to the building of an ordinary, varied, and inclusive life.
A typical ILO contains regular respite periods and the frequency and duration of support provided varies based on a range of factors. Each ILO is individualised, with such aspects and capacities being specified in the ILO service proposal.
Stage 1 - Application
Once you understand what is involved and are firmly interested in registering or applying to be a Host for a specific client, we progress and run through a list of required host commitments, e.g. medication management. For further information and access to the Expression of Interest and Application forms, simply click below.
Stage 2 - Exploration & Design
At this stage, we identify NDIS participants who would be an ideal match. Considerations can include the accessibility of your house, the number of hours that you have available, or the kind and level of support that you can provide to someone.
Once a connection is made and both parties want to start a living arrangement, we will start the Individualised Living process. We gather all the information regarding what services and supports are going to be included in the Service Proposal.
Once complete and agreed upon, the Service Proposal is finalised and submitted to the NDIA for consideration and assessment. This stage also involves obtaining all necessary documents, training, and fulfilling the required host commitments.
Stage 3 - Onboarding
Once the Service proposal has been approved by the NDIA this will commence the implementation stage of the ILO. You will be set up on our training system and support services will commence.
Your Neighbourhood Team Leader will be available to offer support to both parties throughout the ILO and will otherwise be in touch monthly, to ensure both parties are happy and comfortable in their new arrangement.
About My Supports
My Supports is a national provider and a pioneer in living arrangements, having been a part of the very first NDIS ILO trials.
Since then, we’ve grown to have a dedicated and experienced ILO team who have the tools to assist you through the process of setting up your own Individualised Living Arrangement. If you have any specific questions about your current circumstances, simply reach out to speak with one of the team today.
Additional NDIS Resources
These resources provide further information and guidance on Individualised Living Options (ILOs) available through the NDIS.