Self-directed support (SDS)
What is SDS?
Self-directed support is a term that describes the ways in which individuals and families can have informed choice about the way their support is provided to them. It is most commonly used in the delivery of social care and support but it can cover a much wider range of services such as health care and education.
How does it work?
SDS gives people control over an individual budget and allows them to choose how it is spent on support which meets their agreed health and social care outcomes.
SDS includes a number of options for getting support. The person’s individual budget can be:
- taken as a Direct Payment (a cash payment)
- allocated to a provider the individual chooses (sometimes called an individual service fund, where the
council or funder, holds the budget, but the person is in charge of how it is spent)
- or the council can arrange a service chosen by the individual
- or the individual can choose a mix of these options for different types of support.
For more information about self-directed support go to our website selfdirectedsupportscotland.org.uk
Read The National Strategy which sets out a 10 year vision to give people more choice and control over health and social care and support.
On 29 February a Bill on Self-directed Support was introduced to the Scottish Parliament. you can read the Bill and accompanying documents on the Parliament's website.
For enquires contact the Self-directed Support Team
Email: selfdirectedsupport@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Phone: 0131 244 5455