# Latest **URL:** https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/latest.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. --- ## [Council Reclaim of Direct Payment](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/council-reclaim-of-direct-payment/1057)
**Author:** [@SDS\_Nightmare](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/SDS_Nightmare)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [23 September 2026 15:16 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/council-reclaim-of-direct-payment/1057 "2026-09-23T15:16:16Z")
Hi I am trying to get information to compare how different local authorities approach the reclaim process for excess funds in Direct Payment accounts. Would anyone be willing to share some of the wording that is used i… --- ## [Paying PAs more than the minimum wage](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/paying-pas-more-than-the-minimum-wage/1019)
**Author:** [@Allymum](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Allymum)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [16 September 2026 11:18 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/paying-pas-more-than-the-minimum-wage/1019 "2026-09-16T11:18:32Z")
​ ​ ​ ​ Our son has profound learning disabilities with multiple health issues, including Type 1 diabetes requiring monitoring and insulin injections. Since taking onSDS Option1 more than 15 years ago, we have alway… --- ## [Setting Outcomes](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/setting-outcomes/1079)
**Author:** [@MaryP](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MaryP)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [7 August 2026 18:08 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/setting-outcomes/1079 "2026-08-07T18:08:21Z")
Is it now standard protocol for care managers to set outcomes without any discussion with the supported person and send this on for approval? This is my experience and I am sick and tired of it. Is there any way of takin… --- ## [What can you spend a budget on](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/what-can-you-spend-a-budget-on/901)
**Author:** [@Sylv1](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Sylv1)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [25 June 2026 07:20 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/what-can-you-spend-a-budget-on/901 "2026-06-25T07:20:54Z")
My mum has been assessed and given a budget for 4 visits a day . I chose to do the bedtime call myself so it could supplement having a good carer during other visits we are under option 2 … now after a review I’m being t… --- ## [Contribution to care](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/contribution-to-care/99)
**Author:** [@greycat](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/greycat)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [25 June 2026 07:12 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/contribution-to-care/99 "2026-06-25T07:12:18Z")
Does anyone have a reference to how much council can charge towards Self Directed Support budget? is there a legal amount you are permitted to have to live on before they charge? --- ## [24hr care or care at home](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/24hr-care-or-care-at-home/822)
**Author:** [@Dora](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Dora)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [24 June 2026 09:45 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/24hr-care-or-care-at-home/822 "2026-06-24T09:45:47Z")
Our LA have assessed as requiring 24hr care however say this can’t be provided at home and can only be provided in a care home setting which is completely against the adults wishes and their POA. The LA say they can’t fu… --- ## [Equivalent Funding for Specialised Care Home](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/equivalent-funding-for-specialised-care-home/1080)
**Author:** [@AdrianMunn](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/AdrianMunn)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [24 June 2026 09:39 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/equivalent-funding-for-specialised-care-home/1080 "2026-06-24T09:39:41Z")
Can anyone tell me what the equivalent funding rate is for specialised care home in Glasgow City Council? In South Ayrshire it is £121,000 per year, which they don’t publish in their SDS policy. --- ## [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… --- ## [Using SDS budget to fund physiotherapy equipment (MotoMed)](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/using-sds-budget-to-fund-physiotherapy-equipment-motomed/1062)
**Author:** [@Kirsteen](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Kirsteen)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [4 April 2026 08:12 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/using-sds-budget-to-fund-physiotherapy-equipment-motomed/1062 "2026-04-04T08:12:07Z")
I have finally managed to get my LA (Aberdeenshire Council) to authorise funding of a MotoMed (Physiotherapy equipment) using my SDS budget (option 1/direct payment) to pay the supplier “Medimotion” using their hire to … --- ## [Anyone had a review or reassesment?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/anyone-had-a-review-or-reassesment/1053)
**Author:** [@toleranceandrespect](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/toleranceandrespect)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [12 March 2026 21:21 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/anyone-had-a-review-or-reassesment/1053 "2026-03-12T21:21:54Z")
Hi all, Anyone had a review or reassessment for Self Directed Support Direct payments ? Ie what exactly happened? Was the budget level affected? As had this email and don’t understand it? (The reasons budget has not be… --- ## [SDS payment Guidance](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-payment-guidance/1049)
**Author:** [@Rauf007](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Rauf007)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [9 March 2026 13:03 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-payment-guidance/1049 "2026-03-09T13:03:49Z")
I’m looking for advice and guidance regarding Self-Directed Support (SDS) funding in Scotland. My mother is in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease and now requires full 24/7 care. She is completely dependent and … --- ## [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… --- ## ["Local authorities all have different rules..."](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/local-authorities-all-have-different-rules/962)
**Author:** [@Josh](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Josh)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [17 February 2026 13:47 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/local-authorities-all-have-different-rules/962 "2026-02-17T13:47:55Z")
I’ve heard this from several places now. Has anyone else heard this? Where does it come from? It’s not really true is it? The essentials of SDS law and Direct Payment law are all given in Primary Legislation, Regulation… --- ## [Contract with Local Authority](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/contract-with-local-authority/1038)
**Author:** [@SDS\_Nightmare](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/SDS_Nightmare)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [14 February 2026 11:50 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/contract-with-local-authority/1038 "2026-02-14T11:50:43Z")
I’ve been reading a few of the threads about contracts that local authorities expect direct payment holders to sign. I think that the fundamental point is that local authorities have no power to create a contract which i… --- ## [Unlawful actions by local authorities](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/unlawful-actions-by-local-authorities/1035)
**Author:** [@SDS\_Nightmare](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/SDS_Nightmare)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [13 February 2026 16:38 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/unlawful-actions-by-local-authorities/1035 "2026-02-13T16:38:30Z")
Hi, I’m new here. I found the forum as I have a lot of concerns about how SDS is working for my son. In fact, I have just terminated the direct payment as his payments have reduced so much that the contributions he has b… --- ## [Identifying and meeting needs](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/identifying-and-meeting-needs/51)
**Author:** [@Laura\_Jamieson](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Laura_Jamieson)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [18 January 2026 21:26 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/identifying-and-meeting-needs/51 "2026-01-18T21:26:50Z")
Does anyone know how I get an Assessment of Need from my Council and what the Eligibility Criteria will be? --- ## [SPSO Decision Notice on assessments](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/spso-decision-notice-on-assessments/979)
**Author:** [@MidlothianGuy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MidlothianGuy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [18 January 2026 21:25 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/spso-decision-notice-on-assessments/979 "2026-01-18T21:25:27Z")
Hello everyone, Some of you will be aware of my ongoing challenges with Midlothian Council in regards to my assessment. This resulted in escalating my complaint to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s decision has now been p… --- ## [Emergency cover](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/emergency-cover/1032)
**Author:** [@MidlothianGuy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MidlothianGuy)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [17 January 2026 19:49 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/emergency-cover/1032 "2026-01-17T19:49:38Z")
Hi everyone, I’ve had a few occasions recently of sickness absence causing problems. Nobody’s fault, just one of those things when people get ill! How does everyone approach sickness cover? Are you able to cover shifts… --- ## [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. --- ## [Moving and Handling](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/moving-and-handling/1025)
**Author:** [@debbie](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/debbie)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [10 November 2025 10:14 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/moving-and-handling/1025 "2025-11-10T10:14:32Z")
Good Morning - I am looking for accredited training for PA’s for moving and handling based in the north east of Scotland. Does anyone have experience of an organisation that would be recommended for providing such suppo… --- ## [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… --- ## [Contingency use](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/contingency-use/1011)
**Author:** [@LindaH](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/LindaH)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [17 September 2025 16:12 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/contingency-use/1011 "2025-09-17T16:12:41Z")
My husband has a degenerative neurological condition His condition is deteriorating He has not been reassessed for 3 years despite requests for this We had notification in May of assessment The story re assessment is … --- ## [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… --- ## [Reassessment or Review? Legislation / guidance](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/reassessment-or-review-legislation-guidance/1002)
**Author:** [@Digitsmidori](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Digitsmidori)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [29 July 2025 14:38 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/reassessment-or-review-legislation-guidance/1002 "2025-07-29T14:38:49Z")
Hello, in my local authority there has been a new Support Needs Assessment eform created and the Personalisation Review form has been discontinued entirely. The rationale behind this was that the review form conflated th… --- ## [Out of hours contact](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/out-of-hours-contact/993)
**Author:** [@PAScotland](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/PAScotland)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [16 July 2025 08:20 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/out-of-hours-contact/993 "2025-07-16T08:20:19Z")
Hi, I have been a personal assistant for a few years and an area of conflict that keeps arising is contact by the gentleman I look after outwith my working hours. He is looked after by his Mum and Dad and has plenty of s… [Next page](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/latest.md?page=1)