Direct payment
If you choose to receive Self-Directed Support through Direct Payments, you have the option to employ your own Personal Assistant (PA) to help with your care needs.
Find out more about Self-Directed Support
Payment card
As part of this arrangement, you will be provided with a payment card, issued by EML Payments Limited. This card is available to all individuals in Highland who receive Direct Payments.
The person managing the Direct Payment - known as the Responsible Person - will need to sign an Agreement Form. Their name, address, and date of birth will be securely shared with EML to set up the payment card.
Once everything is processed, EML will send the card directly to the Responsible Person, along with simple instructions on how to activate and use it.
It is possible to change what was originally agreed for your Direct Payment spending. However, any changes must be approved by us before they are made.
Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis. If the proposed use of funds meets an unmet disability-related need, it is likely to be approved. This may include spending on a family holiday if it directly supports the child’s disability-related needs.
The payment card works similarly to a bank or debit card. We will load the card with the agreed amount for your Direct Payment budget - either as a one-off annual payment or every four weeks, depending on your support plan. Additional funds from other sources can also be added to the card if agreed in advance.
It can be used for:
- in-person purchases
- online or telephone payments
- bank transfers
- BACS payments
- Direct Debits and Standing Orders
Each card is issued with a PIN, which can be changed at any cash machine.
The card does not have contactless functionality.
This is not a credit card - you can only spend the funds available on the card. It cannot be used to withdraw cash from ATMs or to obtain cashback at tills.
Monitoring and receipts
Spending can now be monitored in real time, so quarterly returns are no longer required.
We recommend that you keep all receipts in case of an audit.
Occasionally, a transaction may not clearly show where or what was purchased, and in such cases, you may be asked to provide clarification.
Using the payment card
- The Personal Assistant (PA) must have a bank account to receive payments via instant bank transfer
- The payment card cannot be used to withdraw cash from ATMs or to obtain cashback at tills
- Your Direct Payment will be transferred to your payment card account either as a one-off payment or every four weeks, depending on what has been agreed to meet your child’s needs
- A user guide will be provided before you transition to using the payment card
Adding personal funds
If agreed during the planning stage, you may add personal funds to the account. For example, if SDS funding is approved to support physical wellbeing but you choose a private gym that exceeds the agreed cost, you may be asked to top up the difference.
Funding for holidays
Holidays are only funded if they meet an unmet disability-related need. If not, they are considered family holidays and will not be funded.
Examples include:
Eligible
- A holiday at a resort specifically for children with disabilities and their families may be partially funded. Your worker will discuss what support may be available under Option 1 - direct payment
- Additional costs directly related to the child’s disability (for instance PA attendance or specialist equipment hire) may be considered for funding
Not eligible
Holidays chosen for personal or family preference (such as beach holidays or Disneyland)