Support Workers Spending Card

[Melluknat]

What spending card do you recommend for carers to use? Something like GoHenry for adults but no fees (hopefully). I don’t really want support workers access to his bank accounts. Thanks for any advice.

[DrSarahmac]

I’d suggest a prepaid Visa card as there’s no access to bank funds or credit. Only the money put on the card can be spent. That can easily be transferred as needed from any account

Maybe consider providing a card in your own name rather than your son’s so it’s clear that you will be the card owner and able to see the activity

Money savings expert have a good showingthe pros and cons and some suggested cards link below…

moneysavingexpert.com/credi...

[class9F]

I use Fairfx preloaded card. It has the Mastercard symbol so is accepted most places. The account is in my name and I can have up to 11 separate cards for others in their name. I only have the 1 extra card in my sons name but if I wanted one in a support workers name I could. I transfer money to the account from my son’s benefits and then do an internal transfer between cards. It isn’t possible to transfer straight to his card. I have turned off the atm feature as there is a charge to use this and manage the account on an app on my phone so I can always see where the card is being used, even the time of the transaction. I chose this card as they only need the account holders I.D. to open the account not the I’d of the people who have the subsidiary cards. I’ve had the account for nearly 2 years and it is working well.

[Greatauntie]

We use Sibstar. Can set limits, see instantly what is being spent. If necessary can top up automatically etc etc definitely worth a look at. We agreed a cash withdrawal amount by only 2 members of staff for joint housekeeping only and a very small amount of cash to be kept in 'tin' for emergencies. All support staff can use card for all other purchases ie meals, coffees, footcare, hairdressing, toiletries etc (with receipts) the staff resisted for many months but we insisted and noe works well for us. This gives transparency for staff and family and in our case COP returns. Also helps with budgeting as can see what and where spending occurred.

[Violet50]

Hello, I use a Monzo card for my daughter who is supported living. It was very easy to set up and is linked to her main bank account where I transfer the money from. The info is all on my phone so I can monitor what is being spent.