Short breaks pre paid cards
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About pre paid cards
To enable Barnet families to have more flexibility in how they access short breaks, the short breaks allocation for the year is loaded on a pre paid card. This card works like a debit card and you can check and track your card balance online. You can find further information about the card provider and the cards on our quick guide to pre paid cards or on the card provider’s website here PFS FAQs
Getting a pre paid card
Families eligible for a short breaks allocation and card will be sent the documents they need to complete at the time of application, these include:
- Card Application Form
- Prepaid Card Agreement
If eligible, you will need to complete these documents and email them to short.breaks@barnet.co.uk. Please note that your prorated allocation will be calculated from the date the signed agreement is received by email.
If you have previously accessed short breaks and have not yet applied for a card, please contact short.breaks@barnet.gov.uk
Length of time to process a card
Please allow up to 4 weeks from the date you email your completed application for your card to be processed and ordered. If you have not received your card by this date, please email us on short.breaks@barnet.co.uk so we can look into it for you.
Making online payments using the pre paid card
You can make online payments once registered with the Cardholder Portal, it works like online banking.
If you have any problems doing so please contact the card provider in the first instance on
0203 468 4112 or 0203 327 1991 or 0207 183 2248
If your query is not resolved via the card provider’s helpline above, please email the short breaks team on short.breaks@barnet.gov.uk.
Change of address or phone number
If you have moved address, or changed your phone number, please notify us of your new contact details by email on short.breaks@barnet.gov.uk. If your address does not match those on the card system, this may affect payments you wish to make.
Recalling funds at the end of each financial year
Any allocation or funding unused by the end of the financial year cannot be rolled over to the next financial year.
At the end of each financial year, all funds remaining on cards will be recalled by midday on 28 March.
Please make sure that you make all your payments before funds are recalled. If you have paid directly for activities for your child, please make sure that you reimburse yourself before midday on 28th March to avoid losing the funds.
Please retain and submit receipts to short.breaks@barnet.gov.uk as proof of money spent, for audit purposes.
Siblings eligible for short breaks
You will receive one card per family to use for short breaks. The allocation amount is per child.
Further help
Further information about short breaks and support
If you are not able to use a pre-paid card, contact us via short.breaks@barnet.co.uk so we can consider options to enable you to access your allocation.