SDS Option 3

Option 3 is the option where you are not responsible for arranging your support. You leave it up to your local council to arrange support for you.

You have the least direct control and choice with this option, but you should still be given as much choice as possible.

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How does it work?

Option 3 is often the quickest way to access support, and you entrust the council to manage your budget.

After your assessment, your social worker will create a support plan with you, to agree what you need support to help you achieve.

If you choose Option 3, you let the council decide how best to support you.

You will not have to handle any money, and you are placing the trust in the council to manage your budget.

Option 3 can sometimes be the quickest way to get the support you need.

If you would prefer to use a different option, you should not feel pushed into letting the council arrange your support through Option 3.

Who can choose Option 3?

Everyone who is eligible for formal social care support through their council should be able to choose Option 3. This includes adults, children and young people, and people with any type of impairment or support need.

Option 3 must also be offered to unpaid carers who are eligible for support in their own right.

Depending on where you live, there may be a limited number of organisations who provide the support you need.

Your council should still take your views into account and try and find the best support for you, even if this is the case.

What is the law?

The law about social care support is called the Social Care (Self Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013.

It says:

  • If you are eligible for formal social care support, the council has to tell you about the four Options, including Option 3.

  • Councils, by law, have to explain what each of the Options mean and how they work.

  • Councils also have to tell you about other people who can help you decide which Option you want to use.

  • If you need help to make a decision about which option is best for you, and you do not have another adult who is legally allowed to make decisions for you, the council has to take reasonable steps to help you make a decision.

  • The council has to allow you to make a choice about which Option you prefer, even if making a choice is difficult for you.

You can find a link to the law here.

The SDS Statutory Guidance is legal guidance written for local councils to tell them how social care support (Self-directed Support) should work.

It says:

  • Councils and social workers should not consider any of the four Options is better or preferable to the others.

  • You should be empowered to choose the Option that works best for you.

  • Your wishes and needs are the most important, even if you cannot make or understand decisions.

You can find the link to the part of the Guidance that talks about this here.

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Self-Directed Support Options

  • Yellow flowers and "Option 1" text on blue background

    Option One: A Direct Payment

    You can use this to choose and control your support e.g. employing a personal assistant

    View Option 1
  • Creative layout with geometric shapes, pink and yellow accents, a white card labeled 'Option 2,' and green leaves.

    Option Two: Individual Service Fund

    You choose what support you would like and the Local Authority makes the arrangement

    View Option 2
  • "Option 3" text over a small plant with citrus fruit slices and a yellow plate on a colorful background.

    Option Three: Direct Service

    The Local Authority selects the support and arranges it.

    View Option 3
  • CoWL Card

    Option Four: Mix & Match

    You choose a mix of the available options that works for you.

    View Option 4

  • The law says you should be offered all four Options, to enable you to choose how much control and responsibility you want to have when it comes to your support.

    But we know that this does not always happen. Sometimes people are told they only have the option to have their council choose and arrange their support for them.

    If you would like to know more about what other options you have, it is a good idea to speak to an Independent Support Organisation or Carer’s Centre for help and advice.

  • If you use Option 3, your council should still take your views and preferences into account, even when they are organising the support for you.

    Support services are often stretched, so sometimes there are not a lot of choices available, and the council decides to use what is available.

    If you are not happy with your support, speak to your social worker and explain why.

    An Independent Support Organisation, Carer’s Centre or Advocacy service can also be able to help you speak with your social worker, or make a complaint if you want to.

  • We can help you learn more about Option 3 (and all options available to you).

    We can chat with you about whether Option 3 is right for you, or if you would prefer to have more control and responsibility over your support.

Your most asked questions

About Option 3

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