Bank Account for Folk With Learning Disabilities?

Beanynut2

Hi can anyone recommend a bank account for adults with learning disabilities? My sons and his partner both have learning disabilities and although they live together almost independently they keep getting in a pickle with money.

They are both on benefits and my son also gets a disability living allowance. They have stopped using their bank accounts as they were struggling to manage their money and it was so easy to spend more than they had. Now their benefits are paid into their post office account - they draw it all out and spend it before considering their bills. I have tried to explain about budgeting but that is forgotten when they get the money.

I was wondering if there was a bank out there that is supportive of people like them, that help them organise their money so that as soon as it comes in it is split rather than on a specific date - one for paying bills and the the other for spending. An account that helps make sure they don't go overdrawn or be offered credit cards.

We can set up direct debits for the bill paying one and make sure they can't accidentally (or intentionally) access it for cash. Having the money in one lump some is too tempting for them to spend.

Any help or advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you
Beany:)

grumbler

I don't think that any bank can/will do this.
Can you do this for them instead? Open an account in your name and get the money paid to it and all DDs taken from it. Transfer the excess to their account(s).

colsten

The only one I know of that does do that is Thinkmoney but I am not sure whether they are suitable in your son's circumstances as the reason for their existence is to make money.

Might be better to ask on the Disability and Dosh board?

10pence

Unfortunately there isn't a bank account that will do what you're asking, at least not in the sense your after. However, there are some work arounds.

Check with your local council (or local housing association if in social rented property) if they have any financial capability programmes running.

Have you thought about acting as 3rd party or even power of attorney (POA)? If you're worried about costs for POA if your son - who would be classed as the 'donor' is in receipt of means tested (income based) benefits they might qualify for a reduction or exemption to the fee.
This way you help manage their affairs; maybe create 2 basic bank accounts (BBA): 1 for benefits and bills, then send 'spending money' to the other account.

Some banks might offer an appointee account: check out this LINK
Will be brutally honest here, don't expect many bank staff to know what this is or even know they offer this service.

colsten

10pence wrote: »

Unfortunately there isn't a bank account that will do what you're asking, at least not in the sense your after.

There is, see my post.

Although I agree, I know of nothing that stops them being offered credit cards, and unless their credit files are shot to pieces, they could apply for credit cards any time they like.

antrobus

10pence wrote: »

...Some banks might offer an appointee account: check out this LINK
Will be brutally honest here, don't expect many bank staff to know what this is or even know they offer this service.

You have to jump through the necessary hoops to get the DWP to agree to your becoming an appointee first of all. There is a guide to the process that you can download.

https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

PeacefulWaters

If there are multiple benefits, perhaps get one lot paid into a bills account to cover direct debits and you keep hold of the card.

You'll need to do the sums to make sure this works though.

On the positive side, their inability to manage money is repeated by many others more fortunate. Hopefully with your help you can come up with a solution that ensures things can work more smoothly for them and help them retain an acceptable level of independence too.

Good luck.

System

antrobus wrote: »

You have to jump through the necessary hoops to get the DWP to agree to your becoming an appointee first of all. There is a guide to the process that you can download.

https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

Not many hoops to jump through , I am my DD's appointee all it took was a visit from the DWP that lasted about half an hour.

stclair

You may find this leaflet useful:

https://www.bba.org.uk/download-file/?f=eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmJiYS5vcmcudWtcL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMTRcLzAxXC9CQkFfR3VpZGFuY2VfZm9yX0NvbnN1bWVyc19ib29rbGV0LnBkZiIsInVzZXIiOmZhbHNlfQ==

stclair

colsten wrote: »

There is, see my post.

Although I agree, I know of nothing that stops them being offered credit cards, and unless their credit files are shot to pieces, they could apply for credit cards any time they like.

Once an authority of some sort is put in place they could possibly request a marker to be placed on the account profile which woukd restrict lending.

SuperHan

Credit Unions are often helpful in these situations, for example:

https://secure.leedscitycreditunion.co.uk/secure.asp?section=204&bgc=&sbgc=

You could look more local to yourself and give them a call to see if they can help.

They do offer loans, for example, but they do ask you to pay back the loan and make a contribution to savings at the same time, so you shouldn't need the loan again in future.