bank charges

[tiggy88]

I had a stroke about 1 month ago and today when my daughters careers allowance went into my bank account they took it out for bank charges leaving us with nothing until Tuesday. I phoned the bank this morning and was told they could take money from benefits now and even someone elses..does anyone know if this is true because it seems illegal !

HELLO. Im assuming theres nobody on that can give me some advice ??

Any money going into the account can have bank charges taken from it as its money owed to the bank. Its never been illegal. The only thing they can't do is take from benefits before it hits your account, ie a charge at source.

If it's your first time going overdrawn you may appeal to their better nature but if it's not they are unlikely to refund.

Try writing to them quoting the Section 187 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992. It doesn't always work but sometimes is successful.

For the long term, it's best to open another bank account separately for your benefits to avoid further charges being taken. Most people can open basic bank accounts regardless of their credit rating - Barclays and Coop ones are good, and there is specific Post Office account for benefits as well.

Thanks for the replies

Go into your bank and talk to them, it may sound simple but its the best thing to do.
I work for a bank and regularly see people I that scenario,
They can explain exactly how the charges work, how to best avoid them in future and any help I.e. refunds or budgeting available.
Trust me the people in the bank want to avoid the charges as much as you do

I've spoke to them today and they've offered a lot of help for the future.....but i was trying to explain to them i needed it now. In the end I actually got £50 back today, it was a fight but I got it . Thanks everyone for the responses.