The council shares details of this upcoming event. Ed
Three special sessions are being staged to provide adult social care direct payment users with more information about the new pre-paid cards – due to be introduced in January next year.
The cards are designed to be used in a similar way to a normal bank debit card – and to simplify the direct payment process for those who receive personal budgets.
The cards will mean users will no longer need to have a separate bank account for their direct payments, and the funds will be paid directly on to their pre-paid card. The cards will allow payments online, by telephone or in person. Users will also no longer have to show bank statements as part of audit checks although receipts and invoices will still need to be kept for all payments.
Information sessions
The three drop in information sessions will be held on the following dates (no need to pre-book):
- 19 October (10am to 4pm) at The Gouldings, St Andrew’s Way, Freshwater.
- 17 November (10am to 4pm) at the Riverside Centre, the Quay, Newport.
- 15 December (10am to 4pm) at Aspire, Dover Street, Ryde.
Direct payment users, their representatives and carers are invited to attend to ask questions and raise any concerns they may have.
The pre-paid cards will be introduced gradually from January, and a direct payment officer will get in touch with users to guide them through the process.
For more information, please email: [email protected] or tel: Kerry Crawley on (01983) 823340 (ext: 6596) – or alternatively People Matter IW, tel: (01983) 241494.
Direct payment personal budgets
Currently about 650 residents on the Island – including some older people, people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and with mental health issues – receive a direct payment personal budget, which enables them to purchase the adult social care and support they have been assessed as needing.
The cards would be used to purchase a range of services and activities, such as personal care, support to access the community, day activities, achieving a safe home environment, preparing meals etc.
The changeover to cards would mean the council can meet its legislative requirements under the Care Act 2014.
Designed to make payment process far easier
Executive member for adult social care, Councillor Steve Stubbings, said:
“These cards are designed to make the direct payment process far easier for users, their representatives and carers – and we hope the three information sessions will help to answer any questions or concerns they may have.
“We would encourage people to attend the sessions or to contact the council directly to find out more.”
