Direct payment account card
A direct payment account 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 direct payment account and a direct payment account card.
How a direct payment account 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 get instructions on how to set up and 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 direct payment account 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 were not agreed in your social care assessment.
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 direct payment account card to buy the care you need.
- Talk to your social worker about direct payment account cards and what to do if you have a problem using the card.