Help with a Santander Account

tr7phil

The easiest solution I found with my mum was for me to be a joint account holder, that way I can see her account in my online banking and also sort out payments for her as well.

sheramber

He can check his current balance at the Post Office.

If he forgets he has spent money then I think it is very appropriate to get a POA. As you say it takes time to get it so better  to do it when it is not necessary.

it does not need to be used and he can still do his own banking but having it available and registered means you can use it when necessary rather than having to wait until you get it.

TheBanker

tr7phil said:

The easiest solution I found with my mum was for me to be a joint account holder, that way I can see her account in my online banking and also sort out payments for her as well.

I'd caution against this as it means that you are legally a joint owner of the funds in the account. This could cause issues with tax and benefits.

The Third Party Mandate that Santander offer (and was recommended on the previous page) will allow the 'helper' to view the balance and make payments without being seen as the legal owner of the funds. The main thing the 'helper' cannot do is appky for credit. 

sheramber said:

He can check his current balance at the Post Office.

If he forgets he has spent money then I think it is very appropriate to get a POA. As you say it takes time to get it so better  to do it when it is not necessary.

it does not need to be used and he can still do his own banking but having it available and registered means you can use it when necessary rather than having to wait until you get it.

I sometimes forget I've spent money and I don't need a PoA in place. The difference is I can easily view my account online to remind myself what I've spent - the OP's father cannot. 

I do agree a PoA is likely to be useful in future and it would make sense to start the process now. But to address the immediate problem, the Third Party Mandate will be sufficient - it will offer the level of access needed. It will also mean the OP is set up on Santander's systems which will make registering/using any future PoA slightly easier.

xylophone

Presumably your father has difficulty in walking?

Could you hire a wheelchair from British Red Cross?

You could then park the car in the nearest space for the disabled and wheel him to the Santander branch (having previously made an appointment).