When we speak to people about the trustee service they receive there are rarely any good stories but plenty of negative ones.
Nobody is disputing the role and intentions of Trustee services. It’s a tough job ensuring people are supported financially and protected from financial abuse.
Users of that service want a better solution or more efficiency if there was another option available. That solution might be an easier way to access their money for one off costs like hair cuts, new shoes or a bigger grocery shop or it could be a more visual way to see how they are spending their money. Either way they are looking for a better way and somebody needs to deliver it.
Some of the key problems are:
- You need to apply for one off essential items which can take weeks to approve
- Most of the money is spent on intangible things that aren’t understood
- Most of the requests need to be taken over the phone
- You don’t interact with support workers, friends or family very well.
- Money still goes missing
- You get a tiny amount of discretionary spending because they’re worried you will buy the wrong things or lose it.
- It’s an all or nothing approach, the trustees don’t allow a hybrid approach if capacity is increased.
Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list of all payment types that disabled people/a person with disability would face. It might be a similar situation to the one you face or it might be completely irrelevant. Either way it comes from a real person that has challenged us to solve it for them.
If you want to share your thoughts or highlight something to our team please email us info@spendable.com.au
