Money Carer carer’s cards are standard contactless cards and can be used in any retail outlet that accepts Mastercard in-store, or online, anywhere in the world. This means that the cards can be used in the vast majority of retail outlets as nearly all retailers accepting card payments accept payments via Mastercard.

The cards can also be used to withdraw cash from ATM machines with no fees due to Money Carers’ unique banking partnership with Zempler Bank.

No. A Direct Payment is an alternative to services provided by your local authority. However, you can choose a mixed package of care — for example, receiving some support directly from community care services and using your Direct Payment to arrange the rest. 

The concept of the carers shopping card was developed and introduced by The Money Carer Foundation in 2010. Monies held in Money Carer card accounts are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) as the funds are held in properly regulated bank accounts with Zempler Bank.

Very quickly, the Money Carer card became the preferred choice of thousands of carers and care providers to be able to support the vulnerable people under their charge with a secure and protected way of obtaining client funds to perform everyday shopping tasks.

Today, hundreds of law firms, local authorities and national learning disability charities choose the Money Carer card to support their own clients as Money Carer is a secure, and financially robust organisation that is entrusted to manage the finances of some of society’s most vulnerable people.

The Money Carer card and smartphone app have been designed to support and protect carers and the vulnerable people under their charge. As such, Money Carer cards and the linked Money Carer app have a number of unique features built in.

• The ability to set maximum and minimum balances on the cards.
  
• A ‘sweep’ system to transfer excess funds from the cards and back into the funding account.
  
• Payment requests can be made directly from the Money Carer smartphone app.
  
• Instant payment notifications sent to carers via the app and by email.
  
• Carers and clients can make money requests directly from the Money Carer app.
  
• Carers can send in shopping receipts and other documents directly from the app.
  
• Carers and clients can send and receive secure messages on the app.
  
• Helpful information such as welfare benefit letters and client budgets can be viewed in the app.
  
• Emergency money vouchers can be requested and received in the app if a card has been lost.
  

To Qualify for Direct Payments, you must be eligible for social care services provided by your local authority. This envolves:

1. Needs Assessment

Your local council will assess your care needs to determine if you require support with daily tasks such as personal care, mobility, and household tasks.

2. Financial Assessment

A financial assessment will check if you qualify for financial support and how much you might need to contribute toward your care.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are capable of managing your own care (or appoint someone to do so), you can apply for Direct Payments.