1. What are Direct Payments?
Direct Payments (SDS Option 1) are funds provided by your local council so you can choose your own care provider, rather than using council-arranged services.
There are four SDS options:
Option 1 — Direct Payment
You receive the budget directly and choose any provider you prefer.
Option 2 — Council pays your chosen provider
You select the provider, the council pays them.
Option 3 — Council decides the provider
Council arranges and manages the care.
Option 4 — A mix of the above
Flexible combination.
2. What can Direct Payments be used for?
- Personal care
- Home-care support
- Respite care
- Support for social activities
- Daytime or evening visits
- Help staying independent
- Private care packages
- Adding extra hours beyond council allocation
You cannot use Direct Payments for:
- Alcohol or gambling
- Non-care services
- Unapproved uses
3. Can Direct Payments be used with private care?
Yes — absolutely.
Many families use their SDS budget to pay for a portion of care and then top up privately to access:
- Longer visits
- Smaller care teams
- More flexibility
- Better continuity
- High-quality, relationship-based care
This is extremely common in Helensburgh and surrounding villages.
4. Why families choose SDS with private care
Direct Payments give families:
Choice
You choose who comes into your home.
Control
You decide visit times.
Flexibility
You can increase or decrease hours.
Quality
You can choose a provider whose values match yours.
5. Getting started with Direct Payments
The process involves:
- Requesting an assessment from social work
- Completing SDS paperwork
- Discussing your preferred provider
- Signing an SDS agreement
- Starting your care package
We can guide you through every step.
6. We work with SDS Options 1 & 2
Families across Helensburgh, Rhu and Cardross use SDS to access our services.
We're happy to explain how the system works and help you build a plan that fits your budget.