Caring for someone vulnerable

On this page:

Third Party access

What is Power of Attorney

Additional Support

Giving a third party access to your bank accounts

Sometimes, you might need help to manage your bank accounts. If an Ulster Bank customer is mentally capable, then a third party mandate can be put in place to allow another person access to their bank accounts.

A third party mandate cannot be used in circumstances where a customer no longer has mental capacity.

A third party can:

close accounts and change the statement address of accounts they are named on
have a debit card, cheque book and a pay-in book
enrol for telephone banking
arrange and cancel any payments on the account e.g. standing orders, Direct Debits, international payments
obtain any information relevant to an account they are named on

A third party cannot:

Register a third party with us

Download and complete the form, signed by you as the customer and the third party. You will both need to bring 2 forms of identification into one of our branches.

Add a third party to an account

What is a Power of Attorney?

A power of Attorney (POA) is a document that allows you to appoint a person or an organisation to manage your affairs if you become unable to do so.

Enduring Power of Attorney

General Power of Attorney

This gives you the legal authority to act for someone while they are mentally capable and can still make their own decisions about their finances. This might include:

selling their home
paying the mortgage
making investments
paying bills
arranging repairs to their home.

They may be in hospital or away from home for a while. They can limit your power to only deal with certain assets like their bank account. A general Power of Attorney is no longer valid in the event of mental incapacity, death or bankruptcy.

What can a Power of Attorney do?

The duties the Attorney can perform for the customer depends on the customers own capacity to run their financial affairs and the extent of the powers set out in the Power of Attorney. Often these powers will include the power to operate the customer's bank account including:

Signing rights
Opening and closing accounts
Setting up and cancelling direct debits or standing orders
Statements
Cheque book and card
Internet and telephone access

Appoint a Power of Attorney

Register a Power of Attorney

To register a Power of Attorney with us, you will need to complete the form and come into a branch.

Please bring with you the original copy of the full Power of Attorney document or a copy certified by a solicitor. Please be aware that some Power of Attorney documents contain certificates which we will also need to view.

We will also need to see 2 forms of identification. For more information, please refer to our list of acceptable identification.

Add Power of Attorney to an account

Please download, complete and return the signed form in branch, along with two forms of aceptable identification.

Additional Support

Organisations that can offer support

Make the most of extra support available to help you care more efficiently. The local authority of the person you care for may be able to help with this, you can find their details on hse.ie other organisations may be able to help.

A guide to social care

Advice on paying for the cost of care and managing money

Expert advice, information and support

Guide - Are you caring for someone vulnerable?

Information on Government services and allowances for carers