Last year UDW introduced members to a new benefit that gives us a new way to get paid,and a new way to pay –the Focus CardTM. The Focus Card works everywhere you can use a debit Mastercard. That means buying groceries, shopping online and getting cash from ATMs. And with the Focus Card, even members that don’t have bank accounts can get direct deposit of their IHSS pay. That’s important, because direct deposit allows us to avoid lost or delayed paper checks, as well as check cashing fees from predatory lending companies.

UDW worked hard to find a prepaid card that works for our members, with low and no fees for common transactions, easy online access to your account, and 24/7 customer service.

A lot of members have tried out the Focus Card over the past few months and they’re finding it saves time and money—something we could all use more of.

Rae Munoz, a UDW caregiver in Indio, said the she likes how the Focus Card gives her convenient access to her money with few fees. “It’s perfect because I can go to the bank down the street from my house or the ATM in the grocery store for cash,” she said. “I don’t have to worry about super high fees.”

UDW member Dametrie Williams from Riverside County also loves having the freedom of a debit card without worrying about a lot of fees.

“The Focus Card is awesome!” she said. “I went to US Bank and used the ATM and they didn’t charge me a fee. I ordered stuff online – I didn’t have any problems.”

Sign up for the Focus Card today, and enjoy the perks of direct deposit without unnecessary credit checks. You can use your card anywhere that debit Mastercard is accepted, and because it’s not a bank account or credit card, you can can’t spend more than you have. And your Focus Card can give you the tools to take control of your spending.

Dametrie likes the way her Focus Card makes it easy to keep track of her money.

“I get the text alerts on my phone, so anytime I use my card it will tell me what I spend and what I have left,” she said. “I can text BAL and my balance will be sent to me. It’s like someone’s sitting there waiting for you to text them so you can get that information right away.” And she said the sign-up process was hassle-free: “I did everything right away and I didn’t have to call anybody for any information. And I received my check at least three business days faster than when I was receiving paper checks!”

Haven’t signed up for a Focus Card yet? To get started, follow these three simple steps:

1. Sign up for your Focus Card
   Visit www.udwa.org/prepaidcard to request your Focus Card. Once you’ve completed the enrollment and your request is accepted, you should receive your card in a plain, white envelope with an Indianapolis, IN return address in 7-10 business days.
2. Enroll in direct deposit
   You will receive your Focus Card account and routing numbers upon enrollment. Once you have this information, fill out the state’s IHSS direct deposit form available at www.udwa.org/directdeposit, and submit the form to the state.
3. Use your card
   Proudly use your Focus Card everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted, including in stores, online, and over the phone. You also have several ways to get cash, pay bills, and track your spending.

Learn more and get your card today!

Be sure to check out the FAQs and cardholder agreement at www.usbankfocus.com. You can view the fees schedule at www.bit.ly.com/focuscardfees

The Focus Card is issued by U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. © 2017 U.S. Bank. Member FDIC.