Your direct payment can now be paid to a payment card account. You pay for services in the same way that you pay for goods with a bank or debit card. Your provider can contact us if they have any queries about the card. The payment card account is great because:

• The council can view your account online, which means you don't need to send your accounts to the council. You just need to keep all your receipts
• They are safe and easy to use - you can pay for all your services and activities using the card
• You can make payments online via a bank transfer, direct debit or standing order or in person using chip and pin or through telephone banking, making it easier to purchase activities at a wider range of places
• You don't need a bank account to have a card, the council will open the account for you
• You can ask for a named person to have a card on your behalf

To find out more, contact a direct payments officer by email directpaymentadvice@herefordshire.gov.uk or call 01432 260060.