Pre-paid cards

A pre-paid card is like a debit card.  We add money to it so you can pay for things you need, such as care equipment and services.

Sometimes we might agree to give you money so you can pay for your own care services or equipment. We call this a direct payment.

If you get a direct payment, we'll give you a pre-paid card which we pay the direct payment onto.

How a pre-paid card works

The card works like a normal debit card. 

  • It has an account number and sort code. 
  • There is no cheque book or overdraft facility so you can’t spend over your budget and get into debt.
  • There are no fees or charges to use the card.

Checking your account online

You'll be able to check your account online or by phone. You'll also be able to set up regular payments (standing orders).

You don't need a separate bank account and you don't need to send us bank statements – we take care of that for you. We'll check the things you pay for to make sure you're making the most of your card.

Using your card

You can use your pre-paid card to buy the care equipment and services you need.  So you could:

  • make regular payments to your Personal Assistant
  • pay a care agency for a service
  • buy care equipment in a shop or online.

You can't use your card for things that aren't covered in your care plan.

How to get one

  • Ask us for a social care assessment.
  • We'll work out what care you need, whether you need to pay anything towards your care and whether you can get direct payments.
  • If you can get direct payments, we'll give you a pre-paid card to buy the care you need.

 

For more information on pre-paid cards, contact Purple Direct Payment Support Service:

Phone: 01992 367297 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)

Email: info@herts-dpss.co.uk