Advocacy service outlines 'distress and fear' suffered by people with disabilities over money

Other challenges included online banking, only 3% of ATMs having audio supports and a lack of wheelchair ramps at banks. File photo

A man with intellectual disabilities in “immense distress and fear” of a relative demanding money from him is just one of those who has contacted the National Advocacy Service with financial problems.

‘Alan’, was renting a property from this relative but increasing demands for bills — which he never saw — left him unable to afford basic items.

The relative was secretly receiving the Carers' Allowance and Alan also said he was being physically abused by this person. He sought help from his disability service but they would only meet with the relative present.

Alan then contacted NAS. An advocate helped him contact the local HSE Safeguarding Team. The advocacy service also contacted the Department of Social Protection and disability service.

Ultimately, Alan moved to new social housing and got control over his money. 

In another case ‘Rita’s’ money was controlled by a relative and she did not know how much she had nor could she use the bank account they shared.

After she contacted the National Advocacy Service, they asked the relative for a bank statement and for Rita to access the account. The person refused.

The advocate took this to the local HSE Safeguarding team. However, they advised Rita “would likely lose the relationship with the family member” if she continued asking. Rita asked the service not to pursue the issue, leaving them concerned.

In another case, a disability service set up a central account for residents who had to use a card with an allowance loaded on. ‘James’ contacted authorities about this.

An advocate discovered the centre could see every transaction. James was later able to re-open his account.

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In a paper published on Thursday, the National Advocacy Service said 14% of its work in 2022 related to finance. It accounted for 12% last year.

Other challenges included online banking, only 3% of ATMs having audio supports and a lack of wheelchair ramps at banks. Protections such as Enduring Power of Attorney or Decision Support arrangements were often not in place. 

“This stems from false beliefs about the assumed authority and rights of Next of Kin, yet there is no legal basis in Ireland for Next of Kin decision-making,” the National Advocacy Service said.

Joanne Condon, national manager, said they are seeing "a significant growth" in financial advocacy issues. This paper underscores “the urgent need for systemic change”, she urged.