Paying for care
There are lots of different ways you can pay for care with Hamill Homecare.
Funding Options
Privately:
You can pay for care directly with your own funds.
Council Funding:
You may be eligible for funding through your local Council. Use the Find My Council tool on Care Information Scotland to arrange a care needs assessment with the social care department.
A social care professional will visit you at home to carry out a care needs assessment. Based on your needs, the Council will set an agreed budget for your care.
You can then choose how to use that budget from a few different options:
SDS Option 1:
The Council gives you your allocated budget to arrange and pay for your own care. If costs exceed the budget, you cover the difference and pay providers directly.
SDS Option 2:
You’re given an assessed budget and choose your own care company. The Council pays the allocated budget directly to the provider, and you pay any top-up costs.
SDS Option 3:
The Council arranges your care and pays the provider directly for the agreed support, so you receive help without managing payments.
SDS Option 4:
A mix of all the options. You arrange some of your care yourself and have the rest organised by the Council.
What is Self-Directed Support (SDS)?
Self-Directed Support is the way social care works in Scotland and helps give people more choice and control over the care they receive.
If you’re eligible for support, SDS lets you decide how that support is delivered, whether you want to manage the budget yourself, have a provider do it for you, or a mix of both. The goal is to make sure your care fits around your life, not the other way around.
How SDS Option 2 works:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get Self-Directed Support?
Anyone in Scotland who has been assessed by their local Council as needing social care or support. This includes those that are ages 17+.
Do I need to manage the money myself?
Not necessarily. That’s only the case with Option 1 (Direct Payment). If you’d rather not handle the budget yourself, Option 2 lets you choose your provider, while the Council takes care of the payments.
Can I choose a private care provider like Hamill Homecare?
Yes – under Option 2, you can choose who delivers your care. If your chosen provider charges more than the Council’s standard rate, you or your family can top up the difference.
What if my needs change?
Your care plan can be reviewed and updated as your needs or goals change. SDS is designed to be flexible and person-centred.
How do I apply for SDS?
Start by contacting your local Council’s social care team. They’ll arrange an assessment to understand your needs and talk you through your options.
Is SDS just for older people?
No, SDS is available to anyone who meets the criteria, regardless of age. It’s also commonly used by families of children with additional needs or by carers needing support.
Please note, Hamill Homecare only provides support for those aged 17+.
What kind of things can SDS funding be used for?
That depends on your agreed outcomes. It could go towards personal care, support workers, equipment, transport, respite care – whatever helps you live the life you want.
Can my family make care decisions for me without a Power of Attorney?
No, in Scotland, no one has the legal authority to act on your behalf (not even your spouse or children) unless you grant them a Power of Attorney (POA). This includes making decisions about your care, medical treatment, and financial affairs.
Banks, pension providers, medical professionals, and care providers are increasingly requiring proof of legal authority before accepting instructions from family members. A POA gives a trusted person the ability to make important decisions on your behalf when you’re unable to do so yourself.
We strongly recommend setting up a POA as part of planning for your future care needs. This requires legal advice, and we suggest contacting Gilson Gray Private Client Solicitors for professional guidance on establishing the appropriate powers for your circumstances.
