Collecting State Pension for someone

caveman38

If somebody has their pension paid into a PO account. Is it OK for a third party to collect it.
Strictly speaking you are now making a withdrawal from a bank (type) account and using the pensioners PIN .
If the person is unable to get out the house then how else can she receive cash money.
Is it OK if I take a letter signed by her making me her representative and if OK how should it be worded.
Thanks.

molerat

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/third-party-access.pdf

Account Options
Many account providers allow for someone else to legitimately access the customer’s account with their permission. The precise arrangements will depend on the type of account and which account provider they have. Customers should contact their bank, building society or other account provider to check what arrangements are available.

Under no circumstances should the customer disclose their PIN (Personal Identification Number) to someone else in order for them to access their account.

Permanent Agent – Post Office card account (POca)

Customers receiving their payments through a POca can apply for one other person to be given permanent access to their account but, to do so, the account holder must be capable of managing their own affairs. A Permanent Agent can be nominated by the customer on an application form available from the Post Office®.
The Permanent Agent will be issued with their own card and PIN which will allow them limited access to the customer’s account, enabling them to withdraw money at the Post Office® counter or via Post Office® branded ATMs. They will also be able to receive balance enquiries over the counter or from the ATM. The Permanent Agent does not have any other access to the account. They are unable to discuss the account with the Post Office® Customer Service Helpline or request action on the customer’s behalf.

The customer only authorises the Permanent Agent to collect payments on their behalf. The customer remains responsible for notifying the Department about all changes in their own circumstances and continues to have access to their account by their own card and PIN.

Points to consider

Although the Permanent Agent has no legal title to the funds, they will have full access to the monies in the account and so will be able to withdraw funds without the customer’s approval.
The Permanent Agent is only given the power to access the account. The customer retains full responsibility for the account.

caveman38

The lady I hoped to collect money for is just out of hospital. She hopes to be able to resume her normal routine in about 6-8 weeks. Therefor this was only to be a tempory arrangement.
Is this official way of being an agent via. the form the only way. Sorry to pursue this thread and thank you for original reply.

meg72

I would advise that you go the official way, as this gives you your own card and pin so it is easy to prove what you have drawn out,if you use your friends card and pin you do not have this protection should there be a problem.

Have had this problem with my dear old Mum who gives her card and pin to various people.

It is very kind of you to want to help your friend but do think of yourself too,