From December 2026, we’ll gradually move Direct Payments that are currently paid into personal bank accounts to prepaid card accounts.
Only the way you receive and manage your Direct Payment is changing. You’ll still have choice and control over how you use your Direct Payment to meet the needs agreed in your Care and Support Plan.
We’ll contact you before anything changes and explain what you need to do. You’ll receive:
- a letter explaining the change and when it will affect you
- information about confirming your identity
- a prepaid return envelope
- information about your prepaid card and the support available.
Why we're making this change
Prepaid card accounts should make Direct Payments simpler to manage. They will:
- reduce paperwork and the need to provide bank statements
- make it easier to monitor payments to ensure you are receiving support you need
- help identify unused funds and overpayments
- provide greater protection against financial misuse and fraud.
What is not changing
You’ll still be able to:
- use your Direct Payment for the care and support agreed in your Care and Support Plan
- choose how your care and support is arranged
- employ a Personal Assistant where appropriate
- arrange support that helps you achieve your agreed outcomes.
Direct Payments are not being withdrawn and your funds will continue to be available for agreed care and support costs.
If you need help
We’ll provide information and support before you move to a prepaid card account.
If you’re concerned about using a prepaid card or need additional support, contact the Direct Payments Monitoring Team using the details in your letter.