Accessing your Money while shielded or isolated

Some people in Derby are shielded ie have to stay home until June and others are in isolation so they are relying on family, neighbours and volunteers to do their shopping for them.

This may pose problems when it comes to paying for items bought. If you or someone you know is shielded or in isolation, this information may be of use:

Age UK scheme

 Age UK (Derby & Derbyshire) are offering prepaid cards to older people struggling in self-isolation and relying on other people to get their shopping.

The initiative will prevent older people from handing over cash or bank cards to those who could seize on the opportunity to exploit them. Instead, the card will only have a limited amount of money uploaded, reducing the risk of a more serious theft and protecting life savings.

Older people using the scheme will arrange to pay back the money to Age UK directly who will then be able to purchase further cards and offer help to more vulnerable people.

To access the service please call - 01773 766922 and leave a message with your full details; or email administration@ageukdd.org.uk

 Post Office Ask-A-Friend Voucher scheme

 Anyone who cannot leave home can ask a trusted friend or volunteer to withdraw cash at any Post Office using a single-use voucher.

The Post Office scheme is being extended and offered to all banks, building societies and credit unions. If the bank allows it, someone can ask for a one-time barcode sent via text, email or post for a stipulated amount. A trusted friend or volunteer can exchange the voucher for the cash requested. Please contact your bank to see if they offer this.

 Previously, only a named individual, such as a carer, could collect cash in this way on someone’s behalf. Now any trusted neighbour or volunteer can do so. The idea of the Payout Now scheme is to allow people who are shielded or self-isolating, mainly elderly, to maintain access to cash without having to hand over a debit card and PIN to somebody else. They tell their bank exactly how much they want to withdraw from their account, up to a limit set by the bank, and allow a family member, trusted friend or volunteer to collect it on their behalf in exchange for the voucher.

Nat West Bank

  Nat West Bank have just launched a new Companion Card for NW customers in vulnerable situations or extended isolation who can’t get online. This can be given to a helper as a secure way to pay for shopping.

 The card can be loaded with up to £100 every 5 days.  It has a separate pin, card number and no third party access to bank account. 

Number for enquiries is 0800 0514176