Personal
Life Moments
Caring for someone vulnerable

Life Moments

Caring for someone vulnerable

On this page

Help if you're self-isolating Open in new window

What is a Power of Attorney? Open in new window

Third Party access Open in new window

Frequently asked questions Open in new window

Other ways we can help Open in new window

Appointeeship Open in new window

Are you caring for someone that needs additional help?

If you’re caring for someone, you’re not alone. According to research by Carers UK carried out in June 2020, there are an estimated 13.6 million unpaid carers in the UK. Most of these unpaid carers, 9.1 million, were already caring before the coronavirus outbreak.

warning Message

Help if you're self-isolating

Call our helpline to find out what additional services we can offer vulnerable customers who are self-isolating, such as having cash delivered at home.

Phone: 0800 051 4176

Relay UK: 18001 0800 051 4176

Lines are open 8am-8pm every day.

What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a document that allows you to appoint a person or organisation to manage your affairs if you become unable to do so.

Information Message

Power of Attorneys can be set up on a temporary basis (for instance if you are in hospital) or in the longer term (perhaps if you become ill and can no longer make decisions).

Different types of Power of Attorney

Which is right for you?

Depending on your requirements and where you live, there are different types of Power of Attorney you should consider, including:

Lasting Power of Attorney.

Enduring Power of Attorney.

General or specific Power of Attorney.

Continuing Power of Attorney (Scotland).

Visit the gov.uk website to find out more about which is right for your circumstances, and how to make or register a Power of Attorney.

Information Message

More on Power of Attorney Open in new window

How to register a Power of Attorney with us

Using our online form

You can submit our online form for Power of Attorney requests.

Submit the online form

By visiting a branch

Complete the form below and visit a branch. You will need 2 forms of acceptable ID.

Download the form

Download and complete the form below

Please download, complete and return the signed form in branch, along with two forms of ID (see our list of acceptable identification below).

Add Power of Attorney to an Account (PDF, 734 KB)

Acceptable forms of identification

To register a Power of Attorney with us, you can apply online or visit any NatWest branch at a time that is convenient for you. If the application is for one attorney you can apply online. If more than one attorney is being added, you'll need to visit a NatWest branch and bring the Power of Attorney document with you. You'll need one item to confirm your identity and another document that we can accept as proof of your address.

Select the options below to take a look at the different documents:

Choose a different option

Clear selection

Proof of identity we accept

UK Passport, Biometric Residence Permit, Foreign Passport & Visa

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

Be the original document.

Match the exact name used when applying.

Match the exact date of birth used when applying.

Be valid/in date.

Must have at least 6 months left to run on visa (if visa is required) for all non-EU applicants presenting a foreign passport.

EU nationals include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Romania and Bulgaria.

EU and EEA National Identity Card

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

Be photographic and clearly state the country of issue.

Match the exact name used when applying.

Match the exact date of birth used when applying.

Be valid/in date.

Please note, from 1st April 2019 we no longer accept Romanian ID cards.

Benefits entitlement letter issued within last 12 months

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

Issued by DWP, Scottish public pensions agency, local authority, UC welcome letter, pensions benefits, housing benefits, child benefits, disability and sickness benefits.

Specific to the individual about benefits currently being received.

Must Include either NI number or DOB.

Must confirm the customer is currently in receipt of benefit.

Match the exact name used when applying.

Match the exact address used when applying.

Be valid/in date.

Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.

A benefits letter that is addressed to a carer but is for the person opening the account can also be used but only as a last resort. The applicant's name must be mentioned in the letter and the carer must reside at the same address as the applicant.

HMRC Tax notifications & correspondence

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

The documents we can accept are:

A notice of tax coding or

A national insurance confirmation letter.

The document:

Must be specific to the individual.

Must include either NI number or date of birth.

Must match the exact name and address used when applying.

Must be issued in the last 12 months.

Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.

UK/EU/EAA Driving Licence

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

Be a full photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in the UK, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or EU member countries.

Match the date of birth used when applying.

Match the exact name used when applying.

Match the exact address used when applying.

Be valid/in date.

Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.

Travel documents issued by the UK Government

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

An immigration and National Directorate (IND) Registration Card:

Must match the exact name used when applying.

Must match all other personal details used when applying.

And can only be provided if applicant is unemployed.

A travel document issued by the Government of the UK and Northern Ireland:

Must match the exact name used when applying.

Must match all other personal details used when applying.

Must be issued in the UK prior to 31 Dec 2004, if presented with a grant of status letter or entry clearance visa providing indefinite right to remain.

Must be in date, and have more than 3 months left to run.

Northern Ireland voters card

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

Match the exact name used when applying.

Match the exact address used when applying.

Match the exact date of birth used when applying.

Be valid/in date.

Armed forces / Military ID card

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

Must match the exact name used when applying.

Must match the date of birth used when applying.

Be valid/in date.

The card must contain your staff serial number.

Proof of address we accept

UK/EU/EAA Driving Licence

For your Driving licence to be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

Be a full photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in the UK, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or EU member countries.

Match the date of birth used when applying.

Match the exact name used when applying.

Match the exact address used when applying.

Be valid/in date.

Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.

Council tax bill/demand letter/exemption certificate issued within 12 months

We can accept the following documents:

Council tax bill, including reminders.

Council tax adjustment notice letter.

Current council tax arrears letter.

Council tax letter for direct debits.

Council tax exemption letter.

Council tax payment card accompanied by a letter issued by the council which confirms the council tax reference.

Council tax benefit letter provided it has been sent to your current address and shows the council tax reference. This can be accepted to confirm either your identity or address. Not both.

The above documents must:

Be less than 12 months old.

Be for the property you reside at & match the exact address used when applying.

Have your name in the addressee part of the document.

The name must match the exact name provided when applying.

Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your council tax is used this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:

UK Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa.

UK Driving Licence.

EU/EEA National Identity Card.

Military ID Card.

If you have not used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Council Tax as address verification.

Bank/Building Society statement

To be accepted, the document must either be:

The original, sent to your current home address.

An online PDF statement.

A Post Office statement.

All must:

Be less than 6 months old.

Match the exact address used when applying.

Match the exact name used when applying.

Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Bank/Building Society statement is used and has not been provided by Royal Bank of Scotland or Natwest this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:

UK Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa.

UK Driving Licence.

EU/EEA National Identity Card.

Military ID Card.

If you haven't used one of the above as your identification and the statement has not been issued by RBS/Natwest, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Bank/ Building Society statement as address verification.

Benefits entitlement letter issued within the last 12 months

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

Those issued by DWP, Scottish Public pensions agency, local authority, UC welcome letter, pensions benefits, housing benefit, child benefits, disability and sickness benefits.

Specific to the individual about benefits currently being recieved.

Must Include either NI number or DOB.

Must confirm the customer is currently in receipt of benefit.

Match the exact name and address used when applying.

Be valid/in date.

Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.

Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your documentation from the Benefits Agency is used, this can only be used when one of the following has been used as identification:

UK Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa.

UK Driving Licence.

EU/EEA national identity Card.

Military ID Card.

If you haven't used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your documentation from the Benefits Agency as address verification.

Credit union statement

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

The name and address must match the application.

Please ensure the credit union appears as approved/authorised on the FCA search page.

HMRC Tax notifications & correspondence

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

The documents we can accept are:

A notice of tax coding or
A national insurance confirmation letter.

The document:

Must be specific to the individual.

Must include either NI number or date of birth.

Match the exact name and address used when applying.

Must be issued in the last 12 months.

Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.

Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications & correspondence is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:

UK Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa.

UK Driving Licence.

EU/EEA national identity Card.

Military ID Card.

If you have not used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications and correspondence as address verification.

UK utility bill (gas, electricity, water, telephone landline)

To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

Be less than 6 months old.

Match the exact name and address used when applying.

Be a:

Utility bill.

Utility statement.

Reminder bill.

A letter on headed paper from the utility company confirming direct debit payments.

A utility bill for internet services that confirms the price to be paid each month.

An e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Utility bill/ statement can only be used when one of the following has been used as identification:

UK Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa.

UK Driving Licence.

EU/EEA national Identity Card.

Military ID Card.

If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Utility bill/ statement as address verification.

We cannot accept:

Mobile telephone bills.

TV licences.

A utility bill that is addressed to a different address to where the utility is being provided.

A delivery bill for oil, coal or logs.

UK/EU/EEA Mortgage statement / Mortgage correspondence

To be accepted the document must:

Be the original and less than 12 months old.

Be a pdf/e-bill/e-statement of your mortgage statement and be less than 12 months old.

Match the exact name and address used when applying.

Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your mortgage statement is used this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:

UK Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa.

UK Driving Licence.

EU/EEA National Idenity ID Card.

Military ID Card.

If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your mortgage statement as address verification.

Tenancy agreement from local council or housing association issued within 12 months

To be accepted, this document must either:

Be a current local council tenancy agreement.

Be a Housing association tenancy agreement.

Be a valid temporary tenancy agreement.

All documents must:

Be issued by a recognised local authority, or from a well known housing association.

Be on headed paper and bear the stamp of the relevant council/housing association.

Match the exact name used in the application.

Match the exact address used in the application.

Giving a third party access to your bank accounts

Sometimes, you might need help to manage

your bank accounts.

If a NatWest customer is mentally

capable, then a third-party mandate can be put

in place to allow another person access to their

bank accounts.

Information Message

A third-party mandate cannot be used in circumstances where a customer no longer has mental capacity.

A third party can

Close accounts and change the statement address of accounts they are named on.

Have a debit card, cheque book and a pay-in book.

Enrol for telephone or digital banking.

Arrange and cancel any payments on the account e.g. standing orders, direct debits, chaps payments.

Obtain any information relevant to an account they are named on.

Information Message

A third party cannot

Use any of the benefits on a packaged account.

Open accounts on behalf of a customer.

Upgrade/downgrade accounts including account conversions on behalf of a customer.

Apply for additional borrowing on existing accounts e.g. overdrafts, loans.

Reclaim funds from dormant accounts they were named on.

Information Message

Register a third party with us

Download and complete the form below, signed by you as the customer and the third party. You will both need to bring 2 forms of identification into one of our branches.

Add a Third Party to an Account (PDF, 46 KB)

What is a Appointeeship?

An Appointeeship is an arrangement where you can apply for the right to manage an individual’s benefits due to them being incapable of doing so themselves. An Appointeeship may be the best course of action if the person has a low level of financial assets, is in receipt of benefits and doesn't have any other sources of income.

An appointee does not have the authority to deal with other income or finances belonging to the vulnerable person.

If you’ve been made an appointee and are looking to open an account with us to receive these benefits, please see our information on what you need to open a current account.

Once your account has been opened, you will need to visit your local branch with proof of your appointeeship. To find your local branch please use our branch locator.

For more information on appointeeships or if you’re looking to become an appointee, please visit gov.uk.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for a Power of Attorney to be added onto an account?

A person can be added as a Power of Attorney within 5-10 working days.

What can I do as Power of Attorney?

If able to act "Solely" or "Joint and Severally" an attorney can operate the account as if they were the customer themselves. They can have a debit card, register for online or telephone banking and make payment and transfers. They can close accounts that are no longer needed or even open new accounts. They can also manage the donor's mortgage, including applying for a new mortgage or changing the rates. They cannot apply for any other form of credit on behalf of the donor such as a loan, overdraft or credit card.

If several attorneys are appointed "Jointly" or "Jointly for some decisions and Severally for others" the attorney cannot have access to online or telephone banking or have a debit card.

To operate the account joint attorneys can sign cheques together, they can visit branches together or jointly sign letters of instruction addressed to the bank.

To withdraw cash from a branch all attorneys must be present and will be required to present ID.

To have a Power of Attorney removed from an account, you would need to go to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to get a deed of revocation for the POA document. If the attorney is requesting to be removed, we can accept a letter to advise they no longer wish to be on the account.

Once I am added to an account as an attorney, how do I register for online banking?

For more information, check out our guide to online banking. You can find out how to register and make the most of the services available.

What happens to a Power of Attorney when the account holder has passed away?

A Power of Attorney will cease on sole accounts once the account holder has passed away.

For joint accounts, the Power of Attorney would remain in place. However, since Powers of Attorney are held for named individuals, it would only remain in place if it was for the surviving party.

Can I be added to a joint account as Power of Attorney?

Yes, you can be added to a joint account as Power of Attorney. However, you will need to obtain the joint account holder's written authority.

How do I register a protected person account with you?

If the protected person holds a bank account with us, you can visit a branch to amend the account to reflect your deputy status. This means you can take control of the existing accounts and operate them on behalf of the protected person.

If the protected person is not an account holder with us, we are able to open a new deputy style bank account to help you manage their affairs. You will need to take the original sealed and embossed court order appointing you as Property & Affairs Deputy, as well as 2 forms of acceptable identification.

The branch will then send your paperwork to the designated court of protection for your application to be processed. We will let you know directly if they require further information regarding your case and inform you once the process is complete.

Can a Power of Attorney open an account on behalf of the Donor?

Yes, as a Power of Attorney it's possible to open an account on behalf of the donor, however this will depend on the type of POA document you hold. You can't apply online, you'd need to visit your local branch so they can help set this up. Remember to take along your Power of Attorney document.

If the donor is an existing customer and you have already registered the POA document with us, you can call our customer services team on 03457 888 444 who can help you open an additional account.

How do I contact the Power of Attorney team?

You can contact us via our webchat, by clicking chat to Cora and typing in Power of Attorney.

Webchat is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Other ways we can help

Information Message

Online Banking available to customers aged 11+ with a NatWest account. App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

Banking My Way

A free service that allows you to record information about the support or adjustments you need to make banking easier.

Available to customers aged 16 or over in the mobile app or online Banking. For customers under 16, parental consent is required and information must be recorded in branch or over the phone.

Information Message

Banking My Way Open in new window

Help banking from home

Find out how we can help you with online and mobile banking, with helpful videos and step by step guides to get you started.

Information Message

Banking with NatWest Open in new window

Have you got your affairs in order?

From your finances and funeral, to legal arrangements like wills and power of attorney, take a look at what to consider when planning for later life.

Information Message

Plan for later life Open in new window

Organisations offering additional support

Make the most of extra support available to help you care for someone vulnerable. There are several organisations who could help with additional support.

NHS Social care and support guide Open in new window

Government services and benefits for carers Open in new window

Citizens Advice Open in new window

Carers UK information and support Open in new window

Money Helper information and support Open in new window

Age UK help for carers Open in new window

Is there something else you're looking for?

Type your question here