Post office DWP payment closing

chloexxx

Hello there, first post so forgive me if there's not enough info etc but I'm looking for advice.
The post office are going to close the bank accounts of ALL the people in receipt of benefits and anyone who has an account now need to set up a bank account here's where my problem comes in, I have a mental health issue that stops me from leaving my home, I have never had any form of photo ID as I have never had any need and as I've said I can't leave the home yet DWP want me to set up a bank account. I have asked them how as all banks require photo ID and they said they can't help the only other way is I get sent a cash card that I take to a corner shop (paypoint) and show the person behind the counter my disability papers to prove who I am, obviously this can't be done as I can't leave my home and they have been told this. Also how insensitive I as others already have a disability physical or mentally and they want us to advertise this in corner shops etc I feel this is disgusting and offensive to people like us. Any help I would be extremely grateful.
Thank you in advance

MarkM88

You don’t need photo ID to open an account. This can be done with many other documents, also a lot of banks are doing online opening of accounts and verification. 

leeCal

I am not advocating you use this bank but it is an example of alternative ID which may be acceptable 

chloexxx

Mark, I appreciate the response, Halifax, Barclays and HSBC who I've rang today have all said NO they can't help one said you can open a basic account but would still need you to come down and basic accounts are for people with bad credit/criminal record etc. 

MarkM88

chloexxx said:

Mark, I appreciate the response, Halifax, Barclays and HSBC who I've rang today have all said NO they can't help one said you can open a basic account but would still need you to come down and basic accounts are for people with bad credit/criminal record etc. 

As already mentioned above, you can open an account with banks without Photo ID. 

I’ve had several current accounts, not basic, never held photo ID and had no issue. 

chloexxx

LeeCal thanks for that, now I feel like I'm being lied too 

chloexxx

Mark thank you, you've settled my nerves a bit gonna try again tomorrow, fingers crossed 

calcotti

I think this action has been initiated by DWP rather than the Post Office. There was a contract between DWP and PO which DWP have not renewed.

Lisatho11987777

Hi I opend an account online with Lloyd's  most banks let you open accounts on line I I was using my account as an example ? 

chloexxx

Can't thank all of you enough, you all have certainly calmed my worries. Really appreciate your help 

Lisatho11987777

Hope you get something sorted soon

Take care ? 

chiarieds

Hi @chloexxx - you've received some great advice above. I just wanted to add I have 2 bank accounts, one just in my name, & a joint account with my son. For the latter, we just opened a basic account, as, in my bank's case, this didn't offer a cheque book or overdraft, neither of which we needed. Please let us know how you get on, thank you.

chloexxx

Chiarieds thank you, currently trying to get it done through the tsb but there website has just said we need photo ID or come into the store. I feel like hitting my head against a brick wall, I can't keep trying different or they'll block me for the amount of credit checks 

Lisatho11987777

Lloyd's  may not need photo id if you go for a basic  or barclsys  or santander apologies if they have already been tried  cash plus is another one  that went to being a bank today   worth a try 

chloexxx

I've just got through and they want a photo ID, then they say if you don't have ID send 3 copies of registered paperwork with your name and address on etc but they want them notarised by a solicitor, seriously ?? I can't leave my house for anything. I literally don't know what else I can do 

chloexxx

The treatment towards disabled people is disgusting 

chloexxx

I agree they do but I don't believe they do towards people with a mental health issue that completely stops them from engaging in the outside world, the DWP and the post office are stopping this and I'm the one left with the headache, I can see that a few of the bank's do what I need however they put other barriers in place that's stops it. 

chiarieds

I agree with @woodbine that phoning any bank you hope to consider may be the way forward. It does seem that some banks will consider you posting relevant documents to them just proving your identity, & something from the DWP showing your National Insurance number should be OK, & another confirming your address (again).

I have found that a Building Society, 2 solicitors, & very recently an Estate Agent accepted my Blue Badge as photo ID; the last I just emailed (I did query it was a bit odd as they didn't know what I looked like, but at least it had my name on it; they had wanted me to visit their branch 50 miles away initially!). You might also consider Building Societies. There should be a way forward for you.....after all banks, etc. need peoples' business.

Lisatho11987777

@chloexxx as woodbine said I think if you explained your situation especially now with the pandemic I think they will understand  its worth a try 

chloexxx

I have my brother, however they will not allow him to come to the bank as in their words he could be anyone. I have read it and thank you it's definitely something to consider once all avenues have been done 

Lisatho11987777

@chiarieds sorry I have over lapped