Self-directed Support
Self-directed support (SDS) is the way of meeting people’s assessed social care needs within the community
What is Self-directed Support?
Self-directed support, sometimes referred to as ‘SDS’ or ‘personalisation’, is the name given to a way of meeting people’s assessed social care needs within the community.
The Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 imposes a duty (legal obligation) on Local Authorities to provide 4 options to those eligible for social care support or those already provided with services. The options are intended to support the flexibility and creativity allowed under the social welfare and wellbeing duties relating to both adults and children (Scottish Government, 2014).
The 4 options are…
“I get the money to spend on the support I choose.”
A Self-directed Support Worker can help you with:
- Recruitment and selection
- Employment advice and guidance
- Budgeting
- Financial monitoring
“I tell the local authority how to spend the money”
A Self-directed Support Worker can help you with:
- Advice and guidance
- Signposting
“I let the local authority decide how to spend the money”
Your social worker will decide with you what support you need and will arrange it on your behalf
“A mix of options 1, 2 and 3”
Option 4 lets you choose a mix of these options for different types of support
Who can access Self-directed Support
If you are an adult or child with care or support needs you may already be involved with a worker in Social Work, Social Care, or Health Services. You can ask this worker to give you more advice about care and support services and information about Self-Directed Support.
Dundee
If you have care and support needs and are not already known to services, but would like more advice or support please contact:
The First Contact Team: 01382 434019 (for adults aged 16 and over)
Children’s Services: 01382 307940 (for children & their families)
Angus
Angus Council Self-Directed Support Webpage
The leaflet How adults living in Angus can access Health and Social Care Support will give you more information about self-directed support.
If you have care and support needs and would like more advice or support and are not already known to services, please contact ACCESSLine on 03452 777 778 or email [email protected]
Payroll Service Team
Dundee Carers Centre Payroll Services Team can provide a range of services to support those in receipt of Self-Directed Support (SDS) Option 1 budgets (also known as Direct Payments).
We can also provide these services to those in receipt of funds from The Independent Living Fund (ILF) or to those who are paying for care in their home via private funding.
If you employ your own Personal Assistants (PAs) you will have responsibilities as an employer including calculating tax, national insurance and annual leave entitlements. You will also have to ensure you meet the Auto-Enrolment (pension) obligations.
While this may all sound daunting, please be assured that our experienced and helpful team offer a range of services designed to support you in meeting your responsibilities as an employer. We offer 3 main services however we are always happy to discuss tailoring our services to your needs.
