Bank denies access to account

snookey

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Hi hoping for some good advice. My uncle who is in a nursing home has been having problems with his bank. They refused to allow him access to his account due to his signuture not being the same as when he opened his account. Now Iv been in with him before and had the same problem but he has had photo id and they have let him withdraw money. He is quiet frail both mentally and physically.

They also wanted him to have a pin number but there are two issues with this, One he has had money stolen from him in the past by a member of staff in another home when he had access to a cash machine. I wanted his money to be safe by only going to the counter and signing for it. The other issue is that the bank wont send any statements to the new home as they dont have a door number and it can not be found on their systems. Even a letter from the home stating the address and the fact that they have never had a door number has not resolved the issue. So how do we get a pin number if they dont post to his address!

They have now said he needs a soliciter to sort things out. Problem at the moment is that he has just come out of hospital due to a hip replacement and wont be going anywhere for sometime.
How can I resolve this without involving legal people which will cost him money. I really dont think its fair for me to take over his account and affairs eaither as he still has his faculties even though he is frail.
I did post on banks but nobody has answered so Im hoping you lovely lot will:p

HappyMJ

Get someone to get a power of attorney over his affairs and use their address. Even if he still has a card/book/pin you or anyone else can be a backup in case he forgets or loses identity documents.

rising_from_the_ashes

I agree with Happy - someone else needs to be assigned power of attorney in order to help look after his affairs (especially if he is frail mentally as well as physically). Have a look at: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters/legal-issues/powers-of-attorney/ - his mail etc would then go to this address.

snookey

Thanks happy although that was what I wanted to avoid. I guess Ill have to look into it.

vka1

Hi Snookey,

I can completely understand your frustration with this - never easy!

We have power of attorney for my parents. It's been a life saver when one or other has been in hospital or unable to deal with things themsleves. It will give you huge peace of mind, and him I imagine. Also, better to be done now whilst he's still able enough to make decisions. If you leave it too late, it could get more difficult.

It doesn't cost very much to do. It also won't prevent him dealing with his own affairs (the accounts etc remain his own to manage, but just with back up) It will give him the safety net of a trusted relative or friend who can support him when he needs it.

For a very small fee, it's worth it. It's hard for those of wanting to help a relative keep their dignity and independance, as it can feel like you're taking something away from their control. But it's quite the opposite!

I'd also ask the bank to provide a new proof of identity application -don't know the techincal term and you should be able to go to a branch and ask for advice or a form. People change their names all the time, and that's easily enough managed. After breaking her arm very badly my mother had to learn to write again. Her signature changed completely. Her banks were able to accomodate this, so it seems logical that they can help your uncle. It must be reasonably common.

I think WH SMith sell a power of attorney 'kit'. Follow the other links here for further info, as it's been more than 5 years since sorted it all out. Signatures etc will need to be witnessed and then registered. Our family solicitor helped us, but if I remember correctly, much of it was dealt by post which could help if he's immobile.

Best of luck. And, remember, you're not taking over but providing the practical (and consequently emotional) support he needs, exactly when he needs it. He'll be in charge, with your help,

V