Dealing with the aftermath of Bankruptcy

[Androcles]

I have a relative who is an alcoholic and reached last chance saloon. He went bankrupt voluntarily at about the same time he was accepted for treatment in a rehab clinic. To our amazement and relief, he is now emerging after 7 months dry, sober, accepting responsibility for what happened to him and clearly making huge efforts to put his life back together, albeit in different surroundings, in a modest flat which has been found for him, close to his clinic aftercare.

He now has the problem of dealing with finances, as he has only got a cash account. One issue, for example is getting back on the telephone, where direct debit is the preferred method of payment, as with other utilities.

Any ideas as to the best ways of handling these financial situations would be much appreciated, so we can understand the options.

[themas]

He is most unlikely to get a full bank account but - even if he is still bankrupt - he can get a basic bank account into which any income can be paid, direct debits & standing orders can be set up & a cash card can be used to withdraw cash. Nationwide, Barclays & Co-op do these accounts for bankrupts (assuming he does not owe the one he chooses any money). Nationwide is probably the quickest & easiest to open. He must stress he only wants a basic account & can tell them he is bankrupt.

[Androcles]

Themas,

Thanks - that helps!

A.