Social care direct payments

You'll get your direct payment every 4 weeks.

There are different ways that you can have your direct payment paid to you. You can either have it:

• loaded onto a Medway Card
• through your own separate bank account
• through a third-party bank account if needed.

The best way to get your direct payment is through the Medway Card (also known as a prepaid card).

This works just like a bank card and is loaded with your direct payment funds as per your care and support plan.

Get direct payment through the Medway Card (prepaid card)

The prepaid card has a bank sort code and account number and can be used just like a bank card.

You can set up Direct Debits or standing orders to and from it, for example 'client contribution'.

You will not need to send us any statements as the Audit Team will be able to see this information online.

Using your Medway Card

Your card cannot be used at self-service petrol pumps. It's also restricted at other places such as pubs, nightclubs and off-licenses.

If the nominated agent misuses the prepaid card, the person getting direct payment will be held liable for any money that needs to be repaid to us.

Find out more about using your Medway Card on the Allpay website.

Your Medway Card online account

You can also set up a free online account to manage your spending activity.

The Medway Card online portal lets you check your balance, view or download your statements and transaction history.

For any support with your online account, contact your Self-Directed Support Coordinator or contact Allpay by:

• phoning 0330 808 0102 (Monday to Friday from 8am until 6pm or Saturdays from 8am until 12pm)
• emailing enquiries@allpay.net.

You can also phone Allpay to find out your account balance.

Get direct payment through a third-party bank account

If you cannot manage the direct payment yourself, you could use a third-party bank account to manage the funds on your behalf if needed.

The Self-Directed Support Coordinator can give you information about this.

Getting direct payment for a child

If you get direct payment for a child or young person with a disability or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as a parent or guardian you'll have the responsibility of managing the direct payment for them as per the direct payment terms and conditions.

You may also have employer responsibilities (only applicable with PAs). Your Self-Directed Support Coordinator will tell you more about this and help you with this process.

Managing your direct payments

Find out more about how to manage your direct payments.