Independent Living Services
Build Skills. Make Choices. Live More Independently.
Skill-building support for eligible adults based on goals in the IPP.
What Makes ILS Different
Skill-Building, Not Task Replacement
Independent Living Services (ILS) focus on teaching, practicing, and strengthening functional skills that can help eligible adults achieve greater independence.
Goals Come From the IPP
Training should reflect the individual’s goals, abilities, living situation, and authorized service plan. The Regional Center determines eligibility and authorization.
Common ILS Skill Areas
Meal Preparation & Shopping
Planning meals, shopping, food preparation, and building practical kitchen routines.
Money Management
Budgeting, banking, paying bills, understanding spending choices, and organizing finances.
Home Management
Laundry, cleaning, organization, household routines, and maintaining a living space.
Self-Advocacy & Communication
Making choices, communicating needs, problem-solving, and navigating community resources.
Health & Safety Routines
Building non-clinical routines related to appointments, safety, organization, and following established plans.
Community Navigation
Learning how to access community services and participate more independently in everyday life.
Who ILS May Support
Designed for Eligible Adults
DDS describes ILS as training and assistance for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are working toward greater independence while living with others or maintaining an independent living arrangement.
Progress Is Person-Centered
Some skills may require teaching, coaching, practice, repetition, and ongoing support. The pace and goals should be individualized rather than based on a one-size-fits-all timeline.
Independent Living Services FAQs
What is Independent Living Services (ILS)?
ILS provides training and assistance to help eligible adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities acquire or maintain functional skills for greater independence.
How is ILS different from Personal Assistance?
Personal Assistance primarily helps with authorized everyday activities and routines. ILS is more teaching-focused: the provider helps the person learn, practice, and strengthen functional skills.
What skills can ILS address?
Depending on the IPP and authorization, ILS may address money management, shopping, meal preparation, laundry, advocacy, household routines, community navigation, and other functional skills.
Who decides my ILS goals and hours?
ILS goals are developed through the person-centered IPP process with the individual and planning team. The Regional Center determines eligibility and issues the applicable service authorization, including the approved amount or hours.
Is ILS the same as Supported Living Services (SLS)?
No. ILS and SLS are distinct Regional Center service models. ILS generally focuses on functional-skills training and assistance, while SLS is a broader support model for adults living in homes they own or lease.
Where can ILS be provided?
The setting depends on the individual’s goals and authorization. California DDS explains that individuals in Independent Living Programs typically live alone or with roommates in their own non-licensed homes or apartments, with skill development also occurring in community settings as appropriate.
Helpful Official Resources
California DDS: Independent Living Skills
Read the State of California’s overview of ILS and Supported Living Services.
Independent Living Program
Learn about functional-skills training and Regional Center-vendored Independent Living Programs.