Two of the most frequently confused NDIS supports are Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Individual Living Options (ILO). Both are about helping people with disability live more independently — but they are funded differently, structured differently, and suit different circumstances.
Here’s a clear, practical comparison.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living is funding for the supports — typically personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, and overnight support — that a participant needs to live in shared or individual accommodation.
SIL is not funding for the accommodation itself. It funds the support workers and rostered care that enable someone to live in a property. The housing is usually arranged separately through Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), the private rental market, or a housing provider.
Typical SIL arrangements look like:
- A house shared by two to five participants, each with their own bedroom and shared living spaces
- Support workers rostered across the day and overnight
- An SIL provider who coordinates and manages the workforce
SIL is suited to participants who need ongoing, substantial daily supports and who are comfortable with a shared living environment.
What are Individual Living Options (ILO)?
Individual Living Options are a more flexible, participant-directed alternative to traditional SIL. ILO funding enables participants to design bespoke living arrangements rather than fit into an existing provider model.
ILO has two components:
Exploration and Design: An initial phase where a support coordinator or ILO support person helps the participant work out what living arrangement would best suit them — including who they’d live with, where, and what supports would look like.
ILO Support: The ongoing funding to make that arrangement work. This might involve a paid support worker, a host family, a co-resident (someone who lives with the participant in exchange for reduced rent and some support responsibilities), or a combination.
Examples of ILO arrangements include:
- Living with a host family in their home, with ILO funding covering the host’s time and support
- Living with a support worker as a co-resident in a shared property
- A participant renting a home with a close friend, with ILO funding covering supports
ILO tends to suit participants who want greater choice and control over their living situation, who have strong informal supports, or who don’t want to live in a provider-run group home.
Key differences at a glance
| SIL | ILO | |
|---|---|---|
| Funding type | Core Supports | Core Supports |
| Structure | Provider-managed, typically rostered | Participant-designed, flexible |
| Living arrangement | Usually shared with other participants | Individual — many options |
| Who it suits | Higher-support needs; comfortable with shared living | Those wanting flexibility and choice |
| Includes housing costs? | No — housing is separate | No — housing is separate |
| How to access | Via support coordinator and SIL provider | Via support coordinator; ILO exploration first |
Which is right for you?
There is no universal answer — it depends on your support needs, lifestyle preferences, existing relationships, and what’s available in your area.
Some questions to consider:
- Do you prefer living with other people (who may also have a disability) or in a more individualised setting?
- Do you have trusted people in your life — friends, family, or community members — who could be part of a host or co-resident arrangement?
- How much support do you need day-to-day and overnight?
- How much control do you want over who supports you and how?
Your support coordinator plays a critical role in exploring these options with you. A good coordinator will help you weigh up the real-world implications of each pathway — including wait times for SDA/SIL vacancies, which can be significant in some areas.
Getting support with SIL and ILO in Melbourne
Able Aide provides SIL coordination support and ILO support for NDIS participants across Melbourne. We work with participants, families, and referrers to explore options, connect with providers, and make the transition to independent living as smooth as possible.
To discuss SIL or ILO for yourself or someone you support, contact us at enquiries@ableaide.com.au or call 0435 039 110.