Our LA is currently paying approx 75% of HB payments by BACS and the rest by cheque. We are keen to add another suitable method of payment as an alternative to cheque and BACS to try and offer a better service to those without bank accounts and make the most of any possible savings on administration cost.
It appears that prepaid cards are likely to replace cheque payment for DWP benefits in 2010 and are therefore the obvious alternative.
Has any LA gone down this route for payment of Housing Benefit and has any information they are willing to share with me i.e which companies offer best service for customers, if or what charges are associated with the prepaid cards, or any good and bad experiences.
Alternatively, if any LA pays Benefit in any other way, any ideas, comments or suggestions would be much appreciated.
