We are pleased to announce the launch of a new Human Subject Payment platform for the University of Illinois System Direct Payment Program. In collaboration with Rellevate, a financial technology company, we are proud to introduce this enhanced system designed to improve efficiency and ease of use. This new platform will allow Principal Investigators (PI) to more effectively manage and streamline research-related Human Subject Payments.
Using Rellevate to issue reloadable payment cards provides significant advantages for both university units and their recipients by modernizing fund distribution and improving financial wellness.
Operational Efficiency for Researchers
- Eliminate "Cash-on-Hand" Risks: Managing physical cash creates a high risk of theft, loss, and administrative errors. Digital loading moves the liability away from the research assistant and the department.
- Real-Time Loading: Instead of requesting a large lump sum upfront via a check or cash advance, you can load specific amounts onto a subject's card immediately following a completed visit or milestone.
- Simplified Reconciliation: Rellevate provides a centralized dashboard. Instead of collecting hundreds of paper receipts or signature logs, you can export digital reports for grant auditing and institutional accounting.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: You no longer need to spend hours counting bills, stuffing envelopes, or managing reconciliation reports that require manual replenishment.
Compliance & Security
- IRS and Grant Reporting: The platform helps track cumulative payments to individuals, making it much easier to manage 1099-MISC reporting requirements if a participant exceeds the $1,799 annual threshold.
- Audit Trail: Every payment is timestamped and linked to a specific cardholder ID, providing a clean, transparent trail for internal auditors or federal grant agencies (like the NIH or NSF).
- Participant Privacy: While the organization tracks the disbursement, the subject’s specific spending habits remain private, maintaining a professional boundary between the researcher and the participant.
The Participant Experience
- Instant Gratification: Participants receive their incentive immediately. This "instant pay" model is a proven booster for study retention and follow-up visit compliance.
- Dignity and Inclusion: Many research participants are unbanked. Providing a professional Visa/Mastercard is often more useful and dignified than a paper check (which incurs cashing fees) or a restricted store gift card.
- Safety: Participants don't have to leave a study site carrying physical cash, which can be a safety concern in certain urban or sensitive research settings.
More information will be coming later this month. Be on the lookout for upcoming training sessions!
