Disabled Adults Saving Accounts

[Rainbowwitch]

We have a 19 year old Autistic son, have been trying to open an 'adult' savings account for him, he cannot sign anything, so we would be his signator. Was told by the bank that we need power of attorney. Now been told by several solictors that we can only have power of attorney if he understands (which he wont) Then looked into being his Deputy and going through the courts, found out this would cost £900-£1500 and even then might not get it.

Thinking now of going down the will route. We as his parents only want the best for him, only want an account so if he gets cheques can put them in as well as us giving him money for his future when we are not here.

Any help would be grateful
Or anyone else been/going through this.
Thanks

[wolf63]

Does he get any wages or benefits and, if so, how are they paid. If they are paid into a bank account how has access to the account been set up?

[friedgreentomato]

try a post office account they do basic ones for benefit holders

[Rainbowwitch]

He gets disability living allowance which gets paid into our account.
He has/had an account when he was a child which my husband was a signature for. but now he is over 18 and classed as an adult he cant open his own account unless he signs for it (which he cannot do)

[Buenchico]

See if anything here helps:
http://www.managingmoney.org.uk/
(That site is run by the National Autistic Society. You need to register first, using the link at the top right of the screen. You can then access information through the 'Take module' links).

Chris

[wolf63]

Rainbowwitch - my brain has ceased to work and I can't work out a solution to your dilemma.

As FGT says there are basic accounts around that would suit you.

Are you in touch with any support groups for Autism? There has to be someone who has had this problem before.

*****I have just noticed that Buenchico has posted - he usually gives a very good answer so I am confident that he will lead you to the answer.

[cassa333]

It might not be ideal but you could open a joint account with him!!

[Rainbowwitch]

I think we have tried the joint account - but because he cant do a signature we was not allowed.

[friedgreentomato]

Who would look after him should anything happen to you?

There must be somesort of trustee account out there - I cannot believe that this has not happened to other people in such sad circumstances as yours.

I hope you get it sorted xx

[Twenty20]

If his autism is so bad that, as you say, he doesn't understand the meaning of a bank account, why are you trying to open one for him? Why not open a separate one in your own name and put the money in there?

Cheques are almost non existent these days. If you're expecting to get cheques, maybe from friends for birthdays etc, then ask them to make them payable to the name on the new account. If they have a problem with that then I'd be wondering why they didn't trust you with the money earmarked for your son?

If you were going to be running the bank account for him, because he can't, then it doesn't really need his name on it.

[cassa333]

Open an account in your name and name the account useing your sons name. I have a couple of accounts and one in M E Cassa333 Rent Account. All the rent goes into and out of this one.

Your sons one would be Rainbowwitch Sons account or whatever. Then you have to just make sure his money is paid into this.