There are a series of easy steps to take. If you have a mentor or a friend who is good with computers then you may want to ask them for help. You could also go to your local library for help. Alternatively, you may wish simply to try following points 1–3 below.
To create a free Gmail account:
To access your email in the future, go to www.google.com/gmail press Return/Enter and click ‘Sign in’. Then enter your username and password.
You are now ready to use your email account.
HMPPS works with the six largest commercial banks to ensure that, as the end of sentence approaches, all prisoners are able to apply for a bank account. If the application is accepted then the normal documentation, debit card and PIN are held in ‘valuable property’ until release and money can be deposited into the account.
On release you can use the account immediately by activating it in a local branch. Prisons manage the scheme in different ways according to the needs of their population and in most cases Probation will help you. In some cases – for example at several open prisons – prisoners are able to open credit union accounts into which they can deposit savings.
Banks stress that, whether assisted or not, you should complete the application documentation as accurately as possible, in particular details relating to your previous addresses. Applications flagged by bank systems as containing fraudulent information can cause severe difficulties with future applications.
If you find yourself walking out of the gate without a bank account you will need to get together every bit of identification you can, for banks require all sorts of documentation that you may just not have. If you are going to a hostel then make sure you ask your support worker for help, they will know which banks are easiest for someone with little or no paperwork to get started. They will also be able to write you a letter or even come with you to help. If you have a mentor then do ask them for assistance.
Every bank seems to have its own system but all need proof of identity and proof of address. The most common things that are accepted, assuming you don’t have a birth certificate, passport or driving licence are:
So whilst you are still inside you should write to HMRC asking for details of your National Insurance years as that letter (not just the one asking for your NI number) may be counted by some banks.
There is a very thorough guide to opening a bank account on the Nerdwallet website. It's a good place to look if you are not sure how to open an account while you are in prison, or upon your release.
www.nerdwallet.com/uk/current-accounts/prison-bank-account-guide/
Two prison leavers write from their experience
‘If people recently released from prison choose to open a bank account outside, either the hostel they are staying at can help or they can go along to the bank they want to open an account with and take supporting photo ID, proof of address and details of former address. They will usually get their bank cards within 7 working days.’ Clare
'The banks I went to all said you would probably need to book an appointment so you should take what you have with you for them to check before the appointment. In that way if they need more you will have time to get it together. I ended up using a bank that was very helpful and some are happy just to have prison release papers along with a hostel tenancy agreement! Several others seemed quite open to making special arrangements but one or two seemed disinterested, so be prepared to shop around.' Gary