ILO Primary vs Supplementary Supports
Stage 2 ILO supports are commonly organised around three parts: primary supports, supplementary supports, and monitoring and adjustment. Understanding the difference helps participants design a living arrangement that is practical and sustainable.
Primary supports are the main support at home
The NDIS describes primary supports as people who live with the participant, are not related to them and provide the main support in the home. This can include a host or housemate arrangement.
Supplementary supports add flexibility
Supplementary supports sit alongside the primary support. They may be paid or unpaid and can help when the primary support is unavailable or when the participant needs extra or different assistance.
Back-up arrangements should be explicit
The design should explain what happens when the primary support is working, away, unwell or otherwise unavailable. Back-up support is part of making the arrangement reliable.
Monitoring is the third part
Regular monitoring helps check whether the arrangement is still safe, effective and aligned with the participant’s goals. It also provides a structured way to raise and resolve issues.
The mix should reflect the individual
There is no single standard combination of primary and supplementary supports. The service proposal should reflect the participant’s needs, chosen living arrangement, informal supports and approved budget.
Helpful related pages
Continue with the guide or service page that best matches the home-and-living decision you are working through.
Official NDIS information used for this guide
NDIS rules and terminology can change. These official pages are useful for checking the latest position.
Important: This AIC Services guide is general information, not an NDIS funding decision, clinical advice, housing advice, financial advice or legal advice. Participants should check their current plan and official NDIS information for their circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Can supplementary supports be unpaid?
Yes. The NDIS says supplementary supports can include paid support or unpaid support such as help from family.
Can a support worker be a supplementary support?
Yes. Paid supplementary support can include support workers, including support that stays over or provides additional assistance at agreed times.
Why is monitoring included in ILO?
Monitoring helps participants and providers check whether the arrangement is working and make adjustments when circumstances change.
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