EMA - Bank Account - can't sign his name

[JeanneA]

Hi, can anyone help please. Glen, 16 is staying on School from September for the 3year F.E. course. He can claim EMA but has to have a bank account. I want to open one for him but I am worried because he cannot sign his own name. Has anyone else been in this position, will the bank open an account with me signing on Glen's behalf?

[purplehaze]

I have recently talked to our local Nationwide and they told me I could open a joint account in my son's and my name-hope this helps!

[JeanneA]

HI yes it does help, by opening a joint account with your child mean that they then accept your signature only? If so that would be brilliant.

[purplehaze]

Hi, from what they told me you can just sign to take money out but if your son does start to sign his name he can then do it with your support-at the moment I use my sons pin number for him. Although he can sign his name, it is all a bit much for him-so if he has ever had money in his bank account (I opened one for him to try & help him become more independent) I have to get it out so I asked them what would be the best thing as he would be getting EMA and they said a joint account!

[lisac]

I think you can have it paid into your account, your son doesnt need one if he is unable to sign, my sons ema was paid into my account (4 years ago) so dont know if its changed

[JeanneA]

Hi Lisa thanks for that hopefully I can do the same then for Glen's EMA get it paid in the account that the DLA & Careers Allowance goes in.

[JeanneA]

I am taking to the bank tomorrow ID for Glen (passport & birth certificate) and myself tomorrow plus DLA and Careers allowance letters also I have a copy of a letter from Glen's GP stating that Glen cannot sign for himself, I will let you know how I get on.

[lisac]

Do you have to do all that , i remember just telling the ema people he couldnt sign anything i was his main carer and provided my own bank details they were fine with it maybe its changed now though.

[vastsarah]

Hello ,got a similar problem with my as son.

He needs a bank account that he cant overdrawn on for his Ema,

also he just been awarded dla again but in my account would like to teach him some more money management skills.

or he will end up with no money but lots of friends!

 

[Bluesbreaker]

or he will end up with no money but lots of friends!

 

whys that a bad thing? i have no money cos i buy model railway engines with it, but i have loads of mates

[vastsarah]

Harry would give his money away/lend out.

not get his bus pass or lunch

[JeanneA]

I enquired at Barclays Bank when I have an account and I have an appointment to see someone next Thursday. I was told that the account could be set up until Glen is 18, and I could sign, but I don't know what would happen after he's 18 so I will have to ask.

[Tally]

It might be worth you seeking advice from a disability specialist solicitor or accountant before Glen reaches 18. There are sometimes organisations who will provide this type of advice at cost price. If Glen is not going to be able to manage his financial affairs, he needs someone appointed with the legal right (and responsibility) to do so for him.

[lisac]

My sons benefits ( Incapacity benefit and DLA) are both paid into my account . Someone from DSS visited me at home just before he was 18 and i signed to become his appointee .