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No documents to prove your identity, no address history and a prison sentence behind you. . . it all makes for an uphill struggle when getting to grips with your finances.
‘I was made to feel very small when I tried to open a bank account,’ says former offender Toni. ‘I was told I needed three years’ address history and ID, such as a passport. But where can I find money to pay for a passport? It’s really difficult without a bank account.’
Chris Bath of Unlock, the National Association of Reformed Offenders, says: ‘Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you must spend lots of money buying a passport to prove your identity.
‘Ask your bank branch – it may accept a benefit letter, birth certificate or Probation Officer’s letter. If you know your National Insurance number, you could write to your local Tax Office. Even if you have never paid a penny in tax, it will write back to you, providing proof of address. It is also worth enlisting the help of your local MP.’
Anyone applying for a bank account must reveal their financial history, such as fraud, bankruptcy or bad debt.
Unlock 01634 247350 gives advice and information for ex-offenders on banking, insurance and declaring convictions.
Tags: UNLOCK, Women in Prison - Advice, Women in Prison - Financial Advice, Women in Prison - Rehabilitation
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