Evaluation of the prepaid card live test
Ian Cole, J.C. Gilbertson, Kesia Reeve · SHURA (Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive) (Sheffield Hallam University) · 2016
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) explored new methods of payment to help claimants manage their benefit payments, particularly in the case of those who are vulnerable or need help with budgeting.DWP worked with Kent County Council (KCC) to deliver a 'proof of concept' small-scale test in Kent in spring/summer 2015 to test the viability of using prepaid card systems to make benefit payments to claimants.The evaluation was commissioned by DWP and conducted by a team at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University.It was a qualitative process evaluation focused on learning how the test was delivered, what went well and what could be improved.The 'proof of concept' small-scale test in Kent has demonstrated, within the limited terms of the test and of the evaluation, the feasibility of using prepaid card technology to make benefit payments to claimants who, with support, were able to use prepaid cards to manage their money.The live test has also demonstrated that prepaid cards have the potential to promote financial inclusion and independence, helping people manage their money and debts and widening options for financial management.On this basis, the evaluation concludes that it would be feasible for DWP to carry out a more extensive trial of using prepaid cards to support vulnerable claimants. Evaluation of the prepaid card live test