Help to open bank account. Brother in hospital no photo id

alrk

My brother is in hospital no bank account (he was using our mothers who passed away this year, this is now closed).

this means he cant claim his pension or other benefits that he may be due (has lived off her handouts for past 15 year). Does own his own house (mother paid off the mortgage) but is in arrears on various rates etc.

He is nearly ready for discharge but hospital are nervous about discharging him with no money. 

I am 150 miles away. No family that will still do very much for him.

can i open a joint account with myself? That will at least give him an account number to apply for pension?

any other suggestions? I have tried a variety of local charities but no concrete help available

thank you

Mark_d

I would try one of these new app-only bank accounts that doesn't give overdraft.  Maybe Chase.

Banks also offer basic accounts which are aimed at people like your brother.  What proof of ID does he have?

alrk

He has a driving licence that expired in 2010 and some recent letters.

Keep_pedalling

alrk said:

He has a driving licence that expired in 2010 and some recent letters.

They won’t accept an expired driving licence. As he is in debt I would not want to be financially linked to him through a joint bank account. A basic bank account seems the best option, but without a valid driver licence or passport this would require him to present other evidence in branch.

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/banking/basic-bank-accounts

MyRealNameToo

Keep_pedalling said:

alrk said:

He has a driving licence that expired in 2010 and some recent letters.

They won’t accept an expired driving licence. As he is in debt I would not want to be financially linked to him through a joint bank account. A basic bank account seems the best option, but without a valid driver licence or passport this would require him to present other evidence in branch.

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/banking/basic-bank-accounts

They no longer do digital authentication? Admit its been a while since last opening an account with a high street bank but not that long ago they'd attempt to ID you via CRA records and only if that failed did they then want to see evidence of ID. 

la531983

Cant he just get an updated driving license?

alrk

I suspect he would need to pay for a new license and doesnt have a bank account?

alrk

Plus he is in hospital with no access to a branch

Ergates

alrk said:

can i open a joint account with myself?

This would probably not be a very good idea *for you* - whilst it's understandable you want to help your brother, you should take care not to end up liable for his debts.

xylophone

Is he registered to vote?
Are you able to pay for a passport for him?

https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/filter/overseas

Emmia

xylophone said:

Is he registered to vote?
Are you able to pay for a passport for him?

https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/filter/overseas

Given the cost of a passport, I'd probably prefer to pay for a new driving licence which is much cheaper. Presumably he's under 70 and still has entitlement to drive?