Fathers Pension

[ralphy1]

I am trying to claim my deceast fathers pension on my mothers behalf, but can only do so by opening a bank account in her name.
However she has severe senile dementia and no driving licence or passport, which are required to open a bank account!
Any ideas?

[themas]

I'm surprised they didn't suggest a gun licence!. (That actually happened to someone I know - a lady in her eighties.)

It is not correct that a driving licence or passport HAVE to be provided. A lot of banks etc. ask for these because it makes their job easier, & a lot of their staff don't understand the law on this, which leaves a lot of discretion to the banks as to how they satisfy themselves that the person who wishes to open the account is who they say they are.

Assuming she is on the electoral roll, that is one way they can check, & there are plenty of others they can use if they are practical about it.

If you meet with a blank wall persist and ask to see a more senior person. If you feel they are being completely unreasonable ask for their complaints procedure and follow it. Do not accept any statement that any particular document they ask for has to be provided "because it is the law".

Have youy tried the Co-op Bank? It might be that they would be more understanding.

[gelda]

The Co-op bank are excellent, you talk to real people and they are very sympathetic with any problems you may have, I'd reccomend them to anyone who wants to open a bank account.

[dzug]

If you get the right person in the bank they can be very helpful in suggesting forms of ID, eg:

letter from a government department giving benefit entitlement

letter from care home manager confirming residency

Are we talking state pension or private/occupational pension here?

Sounds as though you need power of attorney which - given the dementia - will be a long and expensive process.