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Disability World: Opening a bank account

08 March 2017

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Opening a bank account isn’t a big deal for most of us but takes an extraordinary effort for anyone with a learning disability.

After Vernon Hill, the founder of Metro Bank, was guest speaker at Kisharon’s Business Breakfast in January, Kisharon Chief Executive Bev Jacobson put his pledge of first-rate customer service to the test by taking her daughter Talya, who has a learning disability, to open an account.

Bev said: “Opening a bank account has been too complicated to achieve at other banks over the years. I found the staff at Metro Bank very helpful in finding ways to overcome the traditional barriers. Talya was very excited to open the account and get her own bank card.”

Two forms of identity are required to open an account and the applicant needs to have a proof of address. These documents usually take the form of a passport, driving licence or utility bill which most individuals with learning disabilties do not have.

With some adults unable to sign their name or remember a pin, the issues involved can be insurmountable. However benefits are paid into an account and drawing out funds and budgeting for food and other necessities are essential skills for those who want to live independently.

Importantly safeguards need to be in place to protect the accounts of people who are vulnerable.

Barclays has produced a useful information pack to help people with learning disabilities manage their money: http://www.bild.org.uk/about-bild/ourwork/money-skills/
From here, you can download information in easy read on opening and running a bank account, spending and saving and money management. There are videos to make the information easier to understand.

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Pirkei Avos
“The world stands on three things: Torah, the service of G-d, and deeds of kindness.” Kisharon looks at the person not the disability, teaching Torah, Middos and Mitzvot embracing and cherishing everybody’s special talent and bringing out the best in them.