Bank Accounts

It is a good idea to open a separate bank account for your child’s benefits and other money when they reach 18. Having a separate bank account will make it easier to show what your child’s income and savings are. This can be important if your child is claiming certain benefits or receiving support from adult social care. A separate bank account also means that your child would still be able access their money if their parent were to pass away.

Your bank should talk to you about different options. For example, it may be possible to open a joint account that you and your child both have access to, or a basic bank account which has some limits on what it can do. If your child doesn’t have mental capacity to manage a bank account, you may be able to open an appointee account.

For more information about banking for people with a learning disability, please have a look on the DOSH website.