Pre-paid card
Most people can have their direct payments loaded on to a pre-paid card (PPC). This works in a similar way to a bank debit card - allowing you to spend your direct payments without needing to set up a bank account or manage paper statements.
What are the advantages for me?
- You will no longer need to set up and manage a direct payment bank account, retain receipts for each payment, or send receipts and bank statements to the council.
- You will be able to use your PPC for Point of Sale payments, telephone payments, and internet payments.
- A PPC is easy to use and can be carried instead of cash.
- You will be able to benefit from a wider range of available services and products, as well as the price reductions commonly available on the internet.
Why should I switch from a managed direct payment?
A PPC is easy to use and requires none of the paperwork or bank set-up that may have put you off managing your own direct payment previously. Using it at Point of Sale, over the telephone and via the internet will give you access to a wider range of services and products, as well as price reductions commonly available over the internet. It is also safer to carry a PPC than cash.
How do I apply?
If you currently receive support from us and would like to switch to direct payments then you should contact your social worker.
If you are applying for support for the first time, your social worker should discuss the option of direct payments with you. You can find more information on the link below:
When will my card be delivered?
Our card provider will send the card by post direct to you the week before you start using the PPC for your direct payment.
What do I need to do when my card arrives?
- You will need to activate your card by following the instructions in the letter which you will receive with your PPC. This will ask you to make a simple phone call to an automated phone line. That will give you your PIN, and you will then be able to start using your card.
- We expect that most customers will want to set up standing orders or direct debits: you can do this by logging onto the card provider customer portal via the internet, or by telephoning the Customer Services Team of the card provider
- If you make a contribution to the cost of your support, we would encourage you to set up a weekly standing order to pay this onto your PPC.
I already receive a direct payment and manage it myself
You will need to transfer any remaining balance from your direct payment bank account to your PPC, close your direct payment bank account and send the final bank statement and any remaining receipts to the council. The council will load your direct payment onto your PPC.
I already receive a direct payment and use the managed service
The managed service provider will be instructed by the council to pay any remaining invoices and then transfer any remaining balance for you onto your PPC account. If you continue to need support for recruitment or employment, this will still to be available to you from the managed service provider.
Can I withdraw cash using my card?
No, this is not permitted.
If you have been recently assessed as a new direct payment recipient, you may have a backdated contribution to make to the cost of your support. If so, please pay this onto your PPC. You can do this either as a transfer from a bank account or as a cash payment onto your PPC at a Post Office or any Payzone outlet.
Contact us
Send us an email: Spoc-asc@leicester.gov.uk