What is an Individualised Living Option (ILO) in NDIS and How Does It Work?

Introduction

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides personalised plans customised to the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each participant. These plans are created through a planning process that involves collaboration between the participant, their family or carers, and a representative from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

The plan details the support and funding that participants will receive to assist them in various aspects of their lives. This includes support for daily living, community participation, education, employment, and more. Among the various plans available, one notable option is the Individualised Living Option (ILO). This specific plan is designed to address the participant’s living arrangements in a way that aligns with their preferences and support requirements.

What is an Individualised Living Option in NDIS?

In Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), an Individualised Living Option (ILO) is a type of support that helps people with disabilities choose and manage where they live. This allows them to have more say in their living arrangements and makes it fit their specific needs and preferences.

Here’s how ILOs work:

• Choose where you want to live: People can decide where and how they want to live, whether it’s in their own home, sharing with others, or in supported living.
• Control your funding: Participants get a budget called a “living support package” to use for things like rent, utilities, assistive technology, and personal care services, helping them live independently.
• Manage your plan: People can handle their budget themselves or choose a plan manager to assist. Plan managers help find and organise supports, pay bills, and keep track of spending.

How Does NDIS ILO Work?

NDIS Individualised Living Options (ILOs)  give you the power to decide how and where you want to live based on your needs. You can choose your home, share it with others, or get support. The NDIS gives you money, called a living support package, to pay for things like rent, utilities, and support services such as personal care. You can handle this money on your own or get help from a plan manager.

This flexibility and control can make your life better. Keep in mind, ILOs might not be right for everyone as they need you to be independent and responsible. If you’re interested, talk to your NDIS planner, make a plan, and ask for funding. Once approved, find providers for the support you want, manage your money, and adjust things as needed. With ILOs, you design your perfect living situation, and the NDIS helps you make it happen.

How to design your Individualised Living Option?

Creating your own Individualised Living Option (ILO) in the NDIS involves a personal and thoughtful process. First, think about where you want to live – it could be your own home, with others, or with some extra help. Figure out what support you need, like help with personal care or daily tasks, and write down the important parts of your ILO. Plan your money carefully, thinking about things like rent, utilities, and services covered by the NDIS living support package.

Decide if you want to manage your money by yourself or get help from someone called a plan manager. Work closely with your NDIS planner, talk about your likes and needs, and make a clear plan. Send a proposal to the NDIS, explaining how you’ll use the money for your ILO. Once they say yes, pick service providers that match what you want. Keep an eye on your money, and change things if you need to. This way, you have the power to create an ILO that fits what you need and makes your life better.

What are the key supports included in ILO?

The key supports included in an Individualised Living Option (ILO) can vary based on the unique needs and preferences of the individual. However, common supports often encompass several areas:

• Accommodation: This includes support for finding and maintaining suitable housing, whether it’s in one’s own home, shared accommodation, or another living arrangement.
• Daily Living Assistance: Support for daily tasks like personal care, meal preparation, and household chores to enhance independence in daily living.
• Community Participation: Assistance and funding for activities that help individuals engage with their community, such as joining clubs, attending events, or pursuing hobbies.
• Transportation: Support for transportation needs, ensuring individuals can travel to appointments, social activities, and work or educational opportunities.
• Health and Well-being: Assistance in accessing healthcare services, managing health conditions, and promoting overall well-being.
• Employment Support: If applicable, support for finding and maintaining employment, including job coaching and skill development.
• Assistive Technology: Funding for necessary technology or equipment that aids independence, such as mobility devices or communication aids.
• Training and Skill Development: Support to develop skills and capabilities, fostering increased independence and participation in various aspects of life.

It’s important to note that the specific supports included in an ILO are individualised and tailored to the participant’s unique goals and requirements. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) collaborates with participants to determine the most suitable support to enhance their quality of life and promote independence.

Who can Apply for NDIS Individualised Living Option (ILO)?

Individuals eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia can apply for the Individualised Living Option (ILO). To be eligible for the NDIS, a person must have a significant and permanent disability that substantially impacts their daily life and functioning.

This includes people under the age of 65 who meet the eligibility criteria. Once approved for the NDIS, participants can work with their NDIS planner to explore and apply for an ILO. It’s important to note that the suitability of an ILO depends on the individual’s specific needs and preferences, and the NDIS planning process involves a collaborative effort between the participant, their family or carers, and the NDIS representative.

What will you get in your Individualised Living Option (ILO)?

What you receive in your Individualised Living Option (ILO) under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will depend on your unique needs and preferences. Generally, an ILO provides personalised support to help you live the way you want. This may include funding for your housing, such as rent and utilities, as well as support services tailored to your daily living requirements.

The goal is to empower you to choose where and how you live, whether it’s in your own home, shared accommodation, or with additional support. The NDIS provides a budget, often referred to as a living support package, to cover various expenses, and you have the flexibility to decide how to use it based on your circumstances. The supports can range from assistance with personal care to technology aids, community participation, and more, all designed to enhance your independence and well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Individualised Living Option (ILO) offered by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a personalised support plan that helps people with disabilities decide where and how they want to live. It involves getting funding to cover housing, daily living expenses, and specific support services tailored to individual needs.

The key benefits include more choice, control over living arrangements, and the ability to design a life that fits personal preferences. Eligible individuals under the age of 65 can apply for the NDIS and work with their planner to explore and apply for an ILO. Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals to lead a life that enhances their independence and well-being.

FAQ’s

1. What is an ILO in the NDIS?

An Individualised Living Option (ILO) in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a special plan that helps people with disabilities choose where they want to live and manage their living arrangements based on their needs and preferences.

2. How do I get an ILO in the NDIS?

To get an ILO, you first need to be eligible for the NDIS. If you are, talk to your NDIS planner about your preferences for living. Work together to create a plan, submit a funding proposal, and once approved, use the provided budget to design your ideal living situation.

3. What does an ILO budget cover?

The ILO budget, often called a living support package, can cover various expenses like rent, utilities, assistive technology, personal care services, and more. It’s designed to give you the flexibility to use the money for things that support your daily life and independence.

4. Who can apply for an ILO?

Individuals under the age of 65 with a significant and permanent disability can apply for an ILO in the NDIS. The NDIS planning process involves collaboration between the participant, their family or carers, and the NDIS representative to determine suitability.

5. Can I change my ILO once it’s approved?

Yes, you have the flexibility to adjust your ILO as needed. If your preferences or needs change, you can work with your NDIS planner to make updates, choose different service providers, and adapt your living arrangements to better suit your requirements.