Self-Directed Support

Self-directed support (SDS) is about you being in control of the support you need to live the life you want, your way. It gives you control of an individual budget and offers choice and flexibility in how it is spent on the support you need. You may also hear SDS described as personalisation, direct payments or individual budgets.

You can find out more by reading the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013.

There are four SDS options

  1. A Direct Payment (a cash payment) where you choose how the budget is used and you manage the money.
  2. You direct how the budget is used, but the money is managed by someone else (sometimes called an Individual Service Fund).
  3. You ask the council to choose and arrange services for you.
  4. You can choose a mix of these options for different types of support.

Applying for SDS

If you’re eligible for support services, your needs will be assessed by the relevant professional or agency, and an individual budget will then be identified based on your needs.

For more information on applying for SDS, visit the site for your area.

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