preloaded debit cards

[class9F]

My son is moving to supported living from residential care in a couple of weeks. Up to now he has managed with cash for his personal expenses but this won’t be practical going forward when he has a weekly shop and other expenses. I am his DWP appointee and manage his money from an account in my name solely for that purpose. I thought a preloaded card would be the way to go but to even get one of those ID is needed which he doesn’t have. He voted using his disabled persons bus pass but that is not an acceptable form of ID for banks! Does anyone have any suggestions. Is it worth the expense or even an acceptable use of his money to get a Passport which he is never likely to use except for ID purposes?

[Jofisher]

just wondering if a disabled bus pass would be acceptable or ask the bank and see what they say what they would be happy with. He must have a national insurance card but that doesn’t have a photo on it like the buss pass. There is a card you can get where you can monitor what’s spent but I don’t know what it’s called.

[Sistersib]

there is an ID card advertised at post offices. I don’t know much more about it but that would be the place to ask.

[Carolineuk]

I think Natwest or HSBC have a scheme for people without a passport, but you need a supporting letter and things like proof if address, birth certificate etc.Google which bank accounts that would help

[Annabellelily Community friend]

Hi there. I would assume that there is some way around this without needing to get a passport, so just adding onto the other great advice shared, firstly I think that it could be worth reaching out to Mencap’s Helpline at 0808 808 1111 or sending an email to [e-mail] for their expertise. 

Also I’m not sure if this would completely suit what you need, but you could make him a revolut card that is connected to the account you use for him that is in your name. I am unsure if it would need to be in your name or his, but with this method you can easily add as much money as is necessary for weekly transactions onto the account, as well as keep an eye on the spending, both from your smart phone. To make a revolut account is free, but the physical card costs £4.99. Perhaps this is worth looking into and I’m happy to answer any more questions if you’d like to look into this idea.  Wishing you and your son the best of luck! 

[Annabellelily Community friend in reply to Annabellelily]

Just to make this a bit clearer, revolut is an app that you can download on your smartphone - making this account won’t require any appointments or paperwork, it should be quick and easy

[Pot-0f-Coffee]

Hi there.

Our son has a FairFX card. The account is in my husband's name so it's loaded from our bank account (or in your case, the account you hold in your son's name) and the card is in our son's name. I understand it is free and charges are only incurred if it's used abroad.

[Galwaybay2]

Monzo works really well for my son. I set up a RBS account from which I feed money. Incidentally, he was able to use his bus pass for voting id recently, that was a real test of inclusively.

[BenjiB]

We’ve had the same issue, my son is in residential care. My son has no ID either and lacks capacity. I mostly give the staff cash to use and they have a HyperJar card in my name they can use too. I’m looking into getting him a passport so I can get him a bank account which I know is going to be a nightmare process!

[Blackhouse in reply to BenjiB]

Hi. Just a wee note for BenjiB.Don't waste money on a passport till you speak to bank.

If your son lacks capacity to understand and consent to responsibility of opening a bank account then bank will not allow it. Our daughter could not have one in her own name because of this.

[BenjiB in reply to Blackhouse]

I was just going to get him a Monzo account to be honest. They don’t ask for lots of ID a passport will suffice.

[Bergersil400]

Hi my daughter is in supported living, which is an individual flat within a 10 complex. As her appointee I manage all her finances bills etc.I did look into a preloaded debit card when she moved in 10 months ago, but when I spoke to the manager of her supported living home, she said that even with a card only certain staff could be card holders, and would be held in the office until needed for purchases

As we bring her home to us most weeks, I find it works well for us to do her shop, when we bring her back, and give the staff a small amount for activities, and any food top ups. Her utilities, rent and service charge are paid via standing order. Staff are happy with this, and it ensures I buy her food with more healthy choices, some others who are health not social funded do the same . All homes will be different however.

I think Santander may have a carers debit card and other banks might be similar, so worth checking out. Good luck

[DSSmith]

You could look at HyperJar (hyperjar.com/) which is a pre-loaded card.

You would open an account in your name and get a kid's card that your son can use to make contactless payments.

You load money onto your card, then through the phone app, you transfer money to his card. You can't withdraw cash with this card.

[BenjiB in reply to DSSmith]

you can’t get a kids card if your child is over 18, might even be 16. I did exactly that thinking I could get a card in his name but ended up just giving the carers mind to use.

[DSSmith in reply to BenjiB]

They don't ask for id for the kids card.

If you are creative with the date of birth of your 'kid' then you can get a kids card which lasts for ten years.

[Orange45]

Hi class94, not sure how savvy you are on the internet but you could set up a Chase account online for son and he would have his own account in his name and you could manage it on his behalf and transfer money. I can’t remember if you need any ID but I do remember that you have to take a photo of your son there and then when you start the process to make sure it is him if you know what I mean!

[NSZMER]

Try citizencard.comFor a form of photo ID

[OldSalt99]

My son, in supported living uses a debit card from an additional bank account I opened in my name. This is topped up weekly and his staff use it for shopping, fuel purchases and weekly cash withdrawals. We get all the receipts before passing them onto the care provider. The card cannot go into a negative balance, so the risk is minimal, but this will only work as long as we are both capable of managing it.

[class9F]

thank you for all your replies. I have decided to try FairFx as that seems to do what I need.

[BenjiB in reply to class9F]

hi I’m trying to do this today. Did you manage to get a card in his name?

[class9F in reply to BenjiB]

Yes. I opened the account in my name and then got a separate balance linked card in his name.

[BenjiB in reply to class9F]

Ah that’s brilliant, thank you 🙏