problem with new bank account for direct payments

ladylumps45

good evening all:o

i had another visit from the social services lady today to explain more about direct payments.she has said that she thinks 20 hours a week is needed and is going to send a list of agencies to help us decide on whether we want agency or to employ someone.
she said to open up a new bank account for the payments to go into with a cheque book facility but when i looked online it seems that all the banks need you to be working to qualify for this and a debit card.
i have a current account already as i worked full time before i got ill but ite a problem getting one now and i dont know what to do.
i wondered if anyone else has had the same problem?
also does anyone know what the hourly rate is that they allow so that i can start enquiring ? thankyou.

freezspirit

I don't work due to my disabilities and have had no problem opening an account last year with lloyds in branch, a couple of months ago with Nationwide in branch and again last week online with Halifax. The only one that I have had problems with was HSBC in branch as they wanted me to close all other current accounts with other banks which I didn't want to do.

From my memory they ask for your annual income and I was honest and said I get x amount per a month in benefits, so they calculated what it would be for the year and typed that into application form. About the employment box I said I'm disabled and not working - Nationwide put me down as a houseperson, Halifax unemployed and I can't remember what Lloyds did.

Ames

I got a Yorkshire Bank account with a cheque book and debit card when on benefits.

Do you need a debit card, would you be able to pay the carer by direct debit or standing order? Then you only need a basic account.

Or some basic accounts have a debit card with them, although they're not full switch cards.

soolin

You might want to ask about bank accounts on the bank account and savings board as there are some that are simple to open and one of those might suit.

ladylumps45

thankyou.ive just tried halifax by signing into my account and opening a second account from there and ive been accepted!
i have to sign the terms and conditions tomorrow.thankyou everyone.

Mango-me-old-boot

When I started getting direct payments in 2005 I had to search hard to find a bank acceptable to the Council that would allow monthly statements and a cheque book while I was on benefits. I found Norwich & Peterborough Building Society Gold Account. It has provided fantastic service. I even got a debit card, although I have no use for that on a direct payment account. I operate entire by phone, never have to wait in call queues and have always had helpful staff. I promise I don't work for them!

black_paw

the co-op is good to..when you have nothing...