All new and current Direct Payment users will be given a Prepaid Card to manage their payments.
A Prepaid Card works like a bank account with a debit card. Sefton Council will load your Personal Budget onto the card, which you can use to pay for services in your Care Support Plan.
Guides and Support
- Step by step guide – This will be sent to you once your card is created to help you manage your account.
- Support to transfer funds – Instructions for transferring your balance if you’re switching to a prepaid card.
- Online Support – Call the Direct Payments Team for help with payments.
- Prepaid Card Contact Centre – Dedicated phone support from EML Customer Support Team for Sefton cardholders.
- No need to send bank statements as everything is online.
- Secure and easy way to make payments for your care.
- Same-day bank transfers.
- Immediate access to funds and your balance.
- You can nominate a trusted person to help manage the account.
- Accessible via smartphone, tablet, or computer.
- Support from the Direct Payments Team to help you switch to a Prepaid Card account.
- Sefton Council will load your Direct Payment money onto the card every 4 weeks in advance.
- Pay for your assessed care needs by bank transfer or phone directly to a Personal Assistant’s or care agency’s bank account.
- Check your account balances online or by phone anytime.
- Pay your client contribution directly into the account by standing order.
- You cannot go overdrawn or get into debt with the prepaid card.
- No need to make payments by cheque.
- No charge for using the Prepaid Card, but lost or stolen cards will cost £4.50 to replace.