Understanding the Difference Between SIL and ILO

By Elite Care NSW / October 13, 2025

One of the most common questions families and support coordinators ask us at Elite Care NSW is:

What’s the difference between SIL and ILO?


Both are NDIS funded housing supports, but they work in different ways.


Understanding how they work can help you make the best decision for a participant’s needs and goals. 


Let’s break it down, simply and clearly.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living, or SIL, is designed for people who need support throughout the day and sometimes overnight. 


It’s often provided in a shared home where a group of participants live together, but it can also be in a single home.


SIL usually includes:

  • Help with personal care (like showering or dressing).
  • Assistance with cooking, cleaning, and other daily tasks.
  • Support with medication or health needs.
  • Someone available at night if required.


Think of SIL as a structured environment with regular support workers on hand.

It suits people who have higher support needs and benefit from a steady routine.


Example:

Michael, who lives with cerebral palsy, moved into a SIL home on the Central Coast.

He shares the house with two other participants and receives 24/7 support. 


His parents say they now feel reassured knowing he is safe, supported, and living as independently as possible.

What is Individualised Living Options (ILO)?

Individualised Living Options, or ILO, is more flexible.


Instead of a set roster of support in a shared home, it’s built around the participant’s own preferences.


ILO might include:

  • Living alone with tailored supports.
  • Living with a housemate or friend who provides informal support.
  • Arranging for neighbours or extended family to be part of the support network.
  • Combining paid supports with natural supports in creative ways.


ILO is not a “one size fits all” model. It’s about creating the kind of living arrangement that feels right for the participant, with supports tailored to their lifestyle.


Example:

Emily, who has autism, wanted to live close to her sister but still have her own space. 


Through ILO, she now lives in a small unit, receives daily check ins from a support worker, and relies on her sister for occasional help. 


The flexibility of ILO gave her the independence she wanted, while still providing peace of mind for her family.

Key Differences Between SIL and ILO

Here’s a simple way to see the contrast:

  • SIL is structured, with formal supports often available 24/7, usually in a shared home.
  • ILO is flexible, combining different types of support in a way that suits the participant’s lifestyle.


SIL is better suited for participants who need higher levels of daily assistance.


ILO works well for those who want more choice in how and where they live, and who may not need constant hands-on support.

How to Decide Which is Right for You

Choosing between SIL and ILO depends on:

  • Level of support needs – Does the participant need 24/7 care, or just regular check-ins?
  • Preferences and goals – Do they want to live alone, with friends, or in a group setting?
  • Safety and independence – What arrangements will keep them both safe and fulfilled?
  • Family involvement – Is there natural support available, or will most support come from providers?


Families often find it helpful to talk through these questions with a support coordinator or provider.

How Elite Care NSW Supports Families

On the Central Coast and across NSW, we work closely with participants, families, and coordinators to explore the best housing option. 


We take the time to:

  • Understand the participant’s goals and lifestyle.
  • Explain funding arrangements in clear, simple terms.
  • Match participants with the right type of housing and supports.



Whether it’s SIL or ILO, our focus is on creating a living arrangement that feels safe, supportive, and truly like home.

Final Word

The NDIS gives families and participants choice when it comes to housing.

SIL and ILO are both valuable options, but they serve different needs.


SIL provides structured, round-the-clock support, often in a shared setting.

ILO offers flexibility, independence, and creative living arrangements.


The right choice depends on the participant’s unique goals and circumstances.

With the right guidance, families can feel confident that their loved one is supported in a way that brings comfort, dignity, and belonging.