Family Early Help
This is a new scheme from Natwest and RBS to help people who cannot leave the house but need to withdraw cash from their bank accounts.
The companion card can by topped up by up to £100 every 5 days and given to a trusted person or carer to enable them to make purchases on behalf of the individual. To enhance security, the carers card will be associated with the customer’s existing bank account but kept separate on the bank’s systems.
The banks can also offer vulnerable customers and those in extended isolation a fee-free cash delivery service to their door, with almost £250,000 delivered to around 750 customers to date since 25th March. Additionally, customers can request a ‘Get Cash’ code that enables a trusted third-party to make ATM withdrawals up to £100 on someone’s behalf from any NatWest, Royal Bank (in Scotland) or Ulster Bank NI ATMs.
If the family does not bank with Natwest or RBS, it may be worth them contacting their bank to see what can be offered. More info here
https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/covid-19-making-payments-safely-lockdown