Systems and methods for separately defining and indicating inter-layer prediction dependencies for a first layer with respect to each of a number of enhancement layers associated with the first layer are described herein. One aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a video encoder comprising a memory unit configured to store a first picture associated with a first layer and enhancement layer pictures associated with a plurality of enhancement layers. The video encoder further comprises a processor in communication with the memory unit. The processor is configured to provide a separate indication for each of the enhancement layers that indicates whether the first picture can be used for inter-layer prediction of the enhancement layer picture in a respective enhancement layer.