Opening a Bank account for adult with special needs

patriciainwhitehead

Which type of bank account from which bank would be best for an adult to open who does not have a good grasp of money. She does not read or write. But she is independent and capable of using a banking app of a phone and can memorise a PIN number. Although she could easily give her PIN to a third party who is maybe not trust worthy. She can understand most numbers. She has a speech impediment which is means phone calls are difficult. 

She will need a bank for her benefits to go into. Perhaps a ultiity direct debit (e.g. Netflixs subscription and mobile phone subscription). She will need a card to say pay for groceries and top up ultitiy pre-paid cards. She does not have anyone who would be naturally be a legal guarantee (not even me). 

I want to ensure a loan is not taken out in her name by a third party. Perhaps could have 1-1 face-to-face service if something goes wrong (local bank on high street). I doubt budgetting would be in her reach but thought through setting up "rules" when money can be taken out - how much per week - would do automatic budgetting. 

How did we arrive at this situation ? I think the parents must have thought they would live forever. And her father has passed and her mother is now in intensive care. 

Shakin_Steve

You are asking a lot, I'm afraid. Most banks will see her as a risk too far, especially as you mention she could easily be persuaded to give her PIN number to someone else. As for 1 to 1 (when/if things go wrong) it's just not possible in today's world. It's just too risky for a bank, especially when they are expected to make good any losses incurred.

She is going to need someone to act on her behalf.