# Uncategorized **URL:** https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/c/uncategorized/1.md [Latest](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/categories.md) --- ## [Welcome to Discourse](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/welcome-to-discourse/7)
**Author:** [@system](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [3 November 2024 11:33 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/welcome-to-discourse/7 "2024-11-03T11:33:11Z")
This forum allows people to connect with peers to discuss issues relating to Self-directed Support while sharing best practice. --- ## [Flexible budget use](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/flexible-budget-use/1071)
**Author:** [@MaryP](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MaryP)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [21 May 2026 00:09 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/flexible-budget-use/1071 "2026-05-21T00:09:39Z")
Has anyone got any advice or experience of using their SDS for home/ garden adaptations to meet outcomes? I am receiving resistance to some very good options that would have a positive impact and would meet a number of u… --- ## [Statutory Guidance](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/statutory-guidance/1058)
**Author:** [@SDS\_Nightmare](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/SDS_Nightmare)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [14 April 2026 16:01 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/statutory-guidance/1058 "2026-04-14T16:01:51Z")
I have now had the local authority telling me that they do not have to follow the SDS statutory guidance because it is not legislation. Does anyone have any views on this assertion? --- ## [Controlled Option 1?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/controlled-option-1/1060)
**Author:** [@Dee\_mum](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Dee_mum)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [14 April 2026 08:56 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/controlled-option-1/1060 "2026-04-14T08:56:46Z")
Hi first time posting. The LA have agreed a budget for my child. We opted for option 1. They are saying they can pay us monthly into a bank account after the care plan has been agreed. I told them I was under the impress… --- ## [The impact of cuts to SDS Option 1 (direct payments) on disabled people and unpaid carers](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/the-impact-of-cuts-to-sds-option-1-direct-payments-on-disabled-people-and-unpaid-carers/1046)
**Author:** [@justinb](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/justinb)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [26 February 2026 16:10 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/the-impact-of-cuts-to-sds-option-1-direct-payments-on-disabled-people-and-unpaid-carers/1046 "2026-02-26T16:10:15Z")
In October 2025, after reports of reductions to Self-directed Support (SDS) personal budgets (options 1 direct payments), Social Work Scotland facilitated two separate pieces of research on the impacts on disabled people… --- ## [Micro-enterprise contracts](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/micro-enterprise-contracts/1020)
**Author:** [@lmrg](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/lmrg)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [17 December 2025 11:19 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/micro-enterprise-contracts/1020 "2025-12-17T11:19:44Z")
I am hoping to reach people who have experience of the micro enterprise model, where individuals can use SDS budgets to purchase support from self-employed PA’s. As I understand it, the model is not uniformly implemented… --- ## [How Many Short Breaks](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/how-many-short-breaks/418)
**Author:** [@Brucebaby](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Brucebaby)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [12 November 2025 19:10 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/how-many-short-breaks/418 "2025-11-12T19:10:18Z")
Hi there, does anyone know if there is a limit to the number of short breaks we can take with my son using his Direct Payment. I am in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. --- ## [Bank Account Dilemma](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/bank-account-dilemma/1015)
**Author:** [@RedWolf](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/RedWolf)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [8 October 2025 21:06 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/bank-account-dilemma/1015 "2025-10-08T21:06:25Z")
My son is in the process of receiving Self Directed Funding - it still has to be approved. I will be managing his Funding under Option 1 Direct Payments, as he does not have the mental capacity. Should I open a new ba… --- ## [Transition to Adult Services](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/transition-to-adult-services/983)
**Author:** [@Mike](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Mike)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [12 September 2025 09:43 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/transition-to-adult-services/983 "2025-09-12T09:43:19Z")
First post so please go easy on me! I’m dad to twin boys who have autism, a learning disability, hypotonia, hypermobility, dyspraxia and epilepsy. The boys are 18 in March and currently attend a special school. We have h… --- ## [UK-wide care agencies](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/uk-wide-care-agencies/991)
**Author:** [@MidlothianGuy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MidlothianGuy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [13 August 2025 08:57 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/uk-wide-care-agencies/991 "2025-08-13T08:57:36Z")
Hi folks, I wondered if anyone has come across any UK-wide agencies that can provide temporary cover whilst travelling in the UK. Just as an example - I travel through to Glasgow for work every so often, and it would be… --- ## [SDS experience and advice?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-experience-and-advice/978)
**Author:** [@toleranceandrespect](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/toleranceandrespect)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [7 July 2025 14:15 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-experience-and-advice/978 "2025-07-07T14:15:06Z")
Hi all We get SDS for our disabled child. We also get Universal Credit. Can I ask others something please? It doesn’t seem like you have much autonomy or self direction with the SDS. Our child’s needs and interests c… --- ## [Resource - Expenditure test sheets](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/resource-expenditure-test-sheets/980)
**Author:** [@Josh](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Josh)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [23 June 2025 12:24 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/resource-expenditure-test-sheets/980 "2025-06-23T12:24:16Z")
These are test sheets I use to evidence my decision-making when it comes to deciding how to spend the Direct Payment. I’ve posted them in picture form here, I can email them to you if you want them in DOCX or PDF. … --- ## [Being forced to change to option 2](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/being-forced-to-change-to-option-2/958)
**Author:** [@Beth](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Beth)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [8 May 2025 10:57 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/being-forced-to-change-to-option-2/958 "2025-05-08T10:57:41Z")
Is anyone here been put under pressure to change to option 2 . Currently we are using option 1 . I do think it’s a ploy to force more unpaid care. I support my daughter and like the freedom of option 1. The SW is trying … --- ## [Handling and paying for grievance/appeal hearings as a PA employer](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/handling-and-paying-for-grievance-appeal-hearings-as-a-pa-employer/941)
**Author:** [@justinb](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/justinb)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [11 March 2025 14:02 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/handling-and-paying-for-grievance-appeal-hearings-as-a-pa-employer/941 "2025-03-11T14:02:40Z")
Hi, I’ve had an enquiry from a carer regarding a grievance/appeal after dismissing a PA and I wonder if anyone has experience of navigating this process as a PA employer. The carer recently dismissed a PA who had provid… --- ## [Survey about SDS Support Cuts and Reassessments](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/survey-about-sds-support-cuts-and-reassessments/894)
**Author:** [@justinb](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/justinb)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [14 January 2025 15:59 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/survey-about-sds-support-cuts-and-reassessments/894 "2025-01-14T15:59:09Z")
The Alliance are exploring people’s experiences of SDS, where they have had: Care packages being reassessed or reviewed Cuts in packages Caps to payment amounts or support Pre-determined decisions To read more about t… --- ## [SDS Option 1 contract in easy read format](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-option-1-contract-in-easy-read-format/210)
**Author:** [@michaelpillans](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/michaelpillans)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [26 December 2024 18:08 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-option-1-contract-in-easy-read-format/210 "2024-12-26T18:08:59Z")
Is anyone aware of an Easy Read version of the SDS Option 1 contract? And willing to share as a nudge, template for another local authority? (Asked on Twitter) --- ## [Using carers/PAs without insurance](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/using-carers-pas-without-insurance/865)
**Author:** [@justinb](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/justinb)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [20 November 2024 10:14 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/using-carers-pas-without-insurance/865 "2024-11-20T10:14:51Z")
Hi, Does anyone have any experience of someone paying a self-employed carer/PA who does not have liability insurance? I spoke to a carer who wants to pay a neighbour to look after their dad to give them some respite, b… --- ## [What is the relationship between SDS Scotland and the Scottish Government?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/what-is-the-relationship-between-sds-scotland-and-the-scottish-government/846)
**Author:** [@Josh](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Josh)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [8 September 2024 10:09 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/what-is-the-relationship-between-sds-scotland-and-the-scottish-government/846 "2024-09-08T10:09:02Z")
I read somewhere that it was a ‘Strategic Partnership’ or something. If so, what does that entail? Is funding received from national government? EDIT: I just looked at the accounts from Companies House. Yes, it is publi… --- ## [Autistic people's access SDS](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/autistic-peoples-access-sds/819)
**Author:** [@MarkieBoy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MarkieBoy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [2 August 2024 09:53 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/autistic-peoples-access-sds/819 "2024-08-02T09:53:30Z")
Autistic Knowledge Development are running a number of training events for SDS Scotland members over the next 2 years. Their training is titled: ‘Supporting Autistic people to access SDS’ and aims to: Increase people’s… --- ## [Renfrewshire SDS Personal Assistants FB Group](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/renfrewshire-sds-personal-assistants-fb-group/791)
**Author:** [@Veronlc1](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Veronlc1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [18 June 2024 22:45 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/renfrewshire-sds-personal-assistants-fb-group/791 "2024-06-18T22:45:10Z")
This is a group where people wishing to seek a Personal Assistant through the Self Directed Support System based on Renfrewshire or for Personal Assistants to advertise their service. As a parent who knows how difficult… --- ## [Renfrewshire SDS Personal Assistants Facebook Group](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/renfrewshire-sds-personal-assistants-facebook-group/789)
**Author:** [@Veronlc1](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Veronlc1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [11 June 2024 09:11 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/renfrewshire-sds-personal-assistants-facebook-group/789 "2024-06-11T09:11:38Z")
Hi l would like to spread the word on a FB group l have created which hopefully will help employers in Renfrewshire and PA’s link up …it has been created to build the bridge in people sourcing a PA through SDS and for PA… --- ## [PA Employer Peer Support Event](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pa-employer-peer-support-event/309)
**Author:** [@ShazMcld](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/ShazMcld)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [1 December 2021 15:34 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pa-employer-peer-support-event/309 "2021-12-01T15:34:19Z")
--- ## [Does option 1 mean different things depending on what you are using it for?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/does-option-1-mean-different-things-depending-on-what-you-are-using-it-for/754)
**Author:** [@Ann20](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Ann20)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [7 May 2024 11:27 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/does-option-1-mean-different-things-depending-on-what-you-are-using-it-for/754 "2024-05-07T11:27:29Z")
Hi I have been given option 1 which I requested. However,I’m now informed that I will not receive a direct payment and that the council will keep hold of the funds and they will make the payments.The only reason I can … --- ## [Using SDS for night time care](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/using-sds-for-night-time-care/557)
**Author:** [@mang](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/mang)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [20 February 2024 12:28 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/using-sds-for-night-time-care/557 "2024-02-20T12:28:12Z")
Hi, My two parents are in their nineties and have moderately advanced dementia. A ‘full package of care’ is provided for my father (ie 4 visits, 90 minutes/day in total from SWD carers) My mother was recently assessed a… --- ## [In control: or under control?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/in-control-or-under-control/624)
**Author:** [@Scally](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Scally)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [27 October 2023 12:27 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/in-control-or-under-control/624 "2023-10-27T12:27:25Z")
Hi, just joined. I’m a veteran of SDS, having been using various manifestations of it to support my son since around 2010, when we had the early pilot of ‘In Control’. It was brilliant: there were no limits and almost … --- ## [SDS and in-home care verses residential care for dementia](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-and-in-home-care-verses-residential-care-for-dementia/582)
**Author:** [@Rae](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Rae)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [11 July 2023 14:34 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-and-in-home-care-verses-residential-care-for-dementia/582 "2023-07-11T14:34:51Z")
Hi, If an elderly person who currently lives at home with carers provided by social work department 4x a day, undergoes a social work assessment to decide on levels of care required, and is assessed as requiring full ti… --- ## [SDS & 'No Recourse to Public Funds'](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-no-recourse-to-public-funds/569)
**Author:** [@MoragDuncan](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MoragDuncan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [15 June 2023 12:19 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-no-recourse-to-public-funds/569 "2023-06-15T12:19:28Z")
We received a query regarding a parent carer who has come to Scotland and has ‘NRPF’ on their passport, asking if they could access SDS. We have been advised by the local H&SCP that SDS can be used in this circumstance,… --- ## [SDS and social worker giving no information](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-and-social-worker-giving-no-information/503)
**Author:** [@MotherShiv](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MotherShiv)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [11 January 2023 10:53 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-and-social-worker-giving-no-information/503 "2023-01-11T10:53:26Z")
Hi just new so please bare with me, We got assessed in April 22 for SDS package was awarded 1st August 22. As I have 2 children being assessed one of the assessments had to go to a panel as apparently it was significan… --- ## [Restaurant visit](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/restaurant-visit/274)
**Author:** [@Brucebaby](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Brucebaby)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [20 July 2022 07:33 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/restaurant-visit/274 "2022-07-20T07:33:30Z")
My son’s SDS outcomes are for ‘anything which supports independence and socialisation’. Could this cover restaurant visit with his PA? Thankyou --- ## [£500 Government Incentive](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/500-government-incentive/81)
**Author:** [@Max](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Max)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [13 December 2021 07:40 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/500-government-incentive/81 "2021-12-13T07:40:31Z")
Hi, Does anyone have any information on the £500 that was promised to all social care staff. Personal Assistants didn’t receive anything and there was supposed to be an alternative arrangement made for them but I haven’… [Next page](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/c/uncategorized/1.md?page=1)