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Original poster

Please help with my Covid grant dilemma

31 replies

GwenCooper81 · 30/10/2020 17:14

I'm about am inch away from tears of frustration.
The whole family have self isolated for the last 14 days. Impossible for us to work from home and only paid SSP. That applies to both adults.
I've applied for the covid support grant of £500.
We don't receive UC.
I've had an email asking to supply more evidence for my claim. It's also told me that if I'm awarded it it has to be paid into my bank account. This is where I have problems. It cannot be paid into another bank account.
I don't have a bank account. I'm paid in cash. I pay tax and NI just easier for my boss to pay me in cash ( all of her staff are the same).
The email tells me it's easy to open a bank account online.
It's not. I've tried. I have no ID. No driving licence ( aside from a lost and expired provisional). No passport. I've recently got a copy of my birth cert so that's a start.
The deadline for submitting my evidence is next weds.
Please don't judge me on my lack of ID. I'm not going to get it am I? There's no right to appeal so once it's done it's done.
Ffs it would have been such a help. I don't even know how to start. I've emailed the customer service team but I expect its an automated system. I'm not being financially abused or anything sinister. Just a long story if house moves and bad planning.
Any advice or help please? Tia

OP posts:
ListeningQuietly · 30/10/2020 17:18

See if your local Credit Union will open an account for you that it can be paid into.
Then I would strongly suggest getting a basic bank account
www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/basic-bank-accounts/

ListeningQuietly · 30/10/2020 17:19

Credit Union link
www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk/

Mammyloveswine · 30/10/2020 17:23

How do you pay your bills without a bank account??!! Do you not have a partner who had a bank account?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Benefits General money
Original poster
GwenCooper81 · 30/10/2020 17:24

Thank you. I can't open a bank account without ID. I have a birth cert and that's it. I always had a bank account but it was unused and I assume finally closed.
I've just tried to renew my driving licence online but I can't as I don't a passport!. Will look into a credit union. Thank you.

OP posts:
HollowTalk · 30/10/2020 17:24

Do you trust anyone in your family enough to use their account?

Original poster
GwenCooper81 · 30/10/2020 17:25

I use my partners account. We've been together many years and all bills come from there. I pay money into his account if needs be. I have full access but can't be made a joint accountee due to lack of ID.
The grant cannot be paid into another adults account.

OP posts:
Original poster
GwenCooper81 · 30/10/2020 17:26

Please see my OP. It cannot be paid into another person's bank account.

OP posts:
ListeningQuietly · 30/10/2020 17:27

Surely the grant is per household.
Why does he not apply?

And if you have PAYE records, you should be able to set up Government Gateway accounts which will help.

Tadpolesandfroglets · 30/10/2020 17:27

I doubt they would close your bank account without a directive from you to do so! Can you check?

Original poster
GwenCooper81 · 30/10/2020 17:29

The grant is per person. I assumed. We both lost 2 weeks wages. So we both applied. Partner hasn't had an email as yet. Nice as £95 is a week it doesn't go far when my bills are still there.
Yes, I will look into my old bank account. Why didn't I think of that?. Thank you

OP posts:
Perfect28 · 30/10/2020 17:30

I don't have any more advice other than what's been given but you really really need to sort this out as a matter of urgency. You may change jobs in the future and i can't imagine another employer paying you cash. Good luck getting it all sorted--do it all ASAP!

AlwaysCheddar · 30/10/2020 17:30

You can use other if for driving licence, it doesn’t have to be a passport.

AlwaysCheddar · 30/10/2020 17:31

Can you get a post office account?

BrieAndChilli · 30/10/2020 17:32
  1. Is it not possible for your partner to apply for the grant?
  2. Can you contact the bank you did have an account with - see if your old account is still open it it may be easier for them to open an account for you without full ID
  3. Make it a priority to get some photo ID sorted. Even if you have to apply for a provisional again.
  4. Make it a priority to open some sort of bank account.
  5. You are in a very vulnerable position. If you partner left you or died you would have no access to an account to live your life. Benefits are paid into an account so how would you cope in the event you lost your job?even if you got a new one a lot of employers would refuse to pay you on cash
Original poster
GwenCooper81 · 30/10/2020 17:34

I can have my provisional renewed via the post with a new pic etc. I've got a form to do it ASAP. I've been really slack and not sorted it. It's never been a problem. Never. It suddenly is a big problem. My own fault but I'm paying for it now.
ID is still needed for a post office account.
Trying to trace my old bank account currently.

OP posts:
Original poster
GwenCooper81 · 30/10/2020 17:36

I am vulnerable. It's scary. I'm trying to sort it.
Thank you for all the advice so far.

OP posts:
WrongKindOfFace · 30/10/2020 17:37

Contact your bank as the account is probably dormant and may be able to be reopened. That’s probably your quickest option. You’re unlikely to be able to open an account online with just a birth certificate.

Wurlysurly · 30/10/2020 17:41

Banks have processes in place to help open accounts when you have limited ID docs, it's surprisingly common. Go chat with a local bank.

ListeningQuietly · 30/10/2020 17:41

Gwen
First off I'd say talk to the helpline for the grant on Monday and explain that you are having problems getting access to your dormant bank account
and see if they will give you an extra five working days

that way the time pressure reduces
but in the words of Donald Tusk use the time well
and get your ID sorted properly and quickly

Smallsteps88 · 30/10/2020 17:43

Can you get a bus pass? Are you disabled and could have a disabled parking card? Can you get an electoral register card?

Original poster
GwenCooper81 · 30/10/2020 17:56

I filled in the info for a bank account finding service ( linked from money saving expert so legit). It can take up to 12 weeks.
I'm not disabled. I do have a staff bus pass. Good call for maybe trying with that.
I'm on the electrol roll but no card to prove it.
I'll ring the helpline on Monday and try to speak to someone.
It's more than the grant isn't it.. Feeling quite shitty about it all and the hardships I've caused us by my stupidity. Not helped by still feeling the after effects of the covid that caused us to isolate!. Thanks so far for all the helpful advice.

OP posts:
Smallsteps88 · 30/10/2020 17:58

I'm on the electrol roll but no card to prove it.
I'll ring the helpline on Monday and try to speak to someone.

Yes do try. They might be able to issue you a card if you can email them a passport style photo.

ListeningQuietly · 30/10/2020 18:18

Gwen
Do you know which bank you were with ?
If so, pop into their nearest branch with any ID you have (including a bill/address thingy) and ask if they can spot you
sometime the bank staff are very cool on the matter
sometimes they are shits, but then you go to another branch

AntiHop · 30/10/2020 18:23

Council tax bill and your tenancy. Do they have your name on it? Your work contract?

Original poster
GwenCooper81 · 30/10/2020 18:26

I know the bank. 'My' branch is 200 miles away. Don't think I've ever been in the local one. Worth a try on Monday. Thank you.
I have a work contract, tenancy agreement etc.

OP posts: