New ID for Elderly

[Userelderly]

My father recently passed away and we're sorting out lots of banking and probate things for my Mum. She let her passport expire and although she has a driving license the picture fails most identity checks (and the passport picture is old also). I've suggested getting a new passport for ID purposes. She's never going to travel so doesn't need the passport for anything other than ID. Has anybody found another accepted form of ID for someone older who is not driving or travelling? Have looked on line and can't find anything. Thanks.

She asked if she was claiming the benefits she was entitled to, and suggested claiming if there was an entitlement and she hadn't claimed. She never said there was an entitlement purely because she's elderly.

@MichaelandKirk sure, I get that but believe me I was not trying to be rude. Lots of people don't know they're entitled to AA and it's a really underclaimed benefit. But of course I didn't mean you'll be automatically be entitled. The last thing I wanted was to cause offence.

I apologise, I didn't take that from your initial comment. Sorry, my mistake.

@arthar thank you. No worries. I'm sorry if my words did come off wrong. X

blimey, this is isn't AIBU, there's no need to jump down people's throats.

Well said. Your comments are perfectly fine and helpful.

@Attelina thank you x

Attendance Allowance is not means tested,and she may be eligible if you think she may be eligible for a blue badge

I thought the Gold Card was only available in the south of England?

Thank you for clarifying. You're right that AA is an under claimed benefit, I think the concern was about the perception tgat anyone who is elderly could get it. It's not means tested but there is an eligibility criteria.

My PIL are both 92. They are divorced. MIL gets it. She is blind, housebound, needs support with most ADLs. FIL walks 2 - 3 miles each day, drives, has no sight or mobility issues. He wouldn't qualify for AA or for a Blue Badge.

@ILoveAnnaQuay Thank you. Of course, Everyone's circumstances are different. But all I was saying there's no harm in putting in a claim. My mum gets it and so do a lot of my elderly mates. Some are virtually housebound, others can get around a bit, but they all suffer from mobility issues to varying degrees. I am not doubting the system could seem unfair if some feel like they need it but are refused.
But I know quite a few others who I think would qualify but they're almost too proud to admit they need financial help from the government due to their ailments.

@BobbyBiscuits Stop trying to defend what you wrote. There was nothing wrong with it at all.

Not sure why other posters were being so snippy about it but I think some posters get a kick out of being snide. Unfortunately that's Mumsnet for you.

Although I applaud you for mentioning AA which is a benefit which has a low take up, I am astounded that you yourself do not know what AA is actually awarded for, you mention they all suffer from mobility issues they may do but there is no mobility component with AA you cannot claim it purely on mobility it is awarded for care needs associated with various health conditions, for instance does a person need help with going to the toilet or taking a bath, do they need help or prompting to take medication, would their mobility issues mean they are more liable to fall that type of thing. And the forms are a nightmare, I advise on pension age benefits and even I would have had problems filling it in for my husband luckily my neighbour is a housing manager for a HA and fills these in for his tenants so he was able to help us get the higher rate indefinitely

Oh jeez have you two finished squabbling yet?

first of all op I’m sorry for your loss.

I think a bus pass can be used (I know you can use it to vote) so it might be worth looking into that?

I thought the Gold Card was only available in the south of England?

My dad has this and uses it for ID and he's not in the south.

@Oldsu You're 'astounded' I don't the exact inner workings of the AA decision making process?
I really can't catch a break can I on this thread?

I let my passport run out and it was such a ball ache proving my ID. I would recommend she applies for a new one and keeps renewing it. That's what I've started to do. It so much easier.

Well, quite. The OP put it on the Elderly Parents board where we all try to be especially helpful - I hope.

I always tell people to ensure their elderly relatives keep their passports up. So much easier for them and for you when you need to deal on their behalf.

She can get a voter ID card. Form can be printed off, filled in by hand and then handed into your council/voting office. Valid everywhere and free of charge.

"And the forms are a nightmare, I advise on pension age benefits and even I would have had problems filling it in for my husband"

I disagree..the form isn't that onerous and there's plenty of help online on sites such as Age UK . I wish I'd sent it in sooner for my mum and it was posters on here (such as the one here who's getting lambasted) who drew my attention to it. Mum only got a couple of months worth out of the payments before her hospitalisation and decline and looking back I could have applied a lot sooner.

Ny Dad (86) renewed his driving licence a couple of years ago even though he doesn’t drive nor own a car anymore. He did it to have some current ID and he used it recently to open a new bank account. So your Mum could do that. Or renew her passport.

What does she need ID for? She can get a bus pass due to her age for free. Even if she doesn't really use buses, I see no harm in having one.

I was going to suggest this. Mine has a photo on it although I do have a passport and have never needed ID except when travelling.

Why are you fixated on a blue badge? My parents are in their very late 80s and neither have a blue badge - they’re not entitled. And both have illnesses but they’re not entitled to Attendance Allowance either.