Post Office Pension Accounts?

Jlawson118

Are these being phased out/closed?

I've just been researching into the subject as my grandma keeps receiving constant letters from DWP with regards to giving them bank account details instead of the money going into her Post Office account. It's been something we've just discarded until today when we've realised she seems to be getting them more and more often.

Trying to research into the subject, I've just read one article stating that the DWP are using bullying tactics with these letters, and another article stating that these accounts are set to close?

My grandma does have a bank account, but does not understand how to use it, and therefore I am third-party on there, to which her Direct Debits come out of for bills and that's it. To have to change her pension to go into this account would greatly confuse her, as she typically gets paid into her PO account and withdraws it to cash, and is very set in her ways this way.

squirrelpie

https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2019-03-20.234759.h


"The DWP will continue to maintain Post Office card accounts until 2021 and anyone affected after this date will be able to access their money via a suitable banking product that they are able to open themselves. Most bank accounts are available over the counter at Post Office branches and supportive messages are used to signpost customers and encourage them to continue collecting their money at the Post Office. Where this is not possible, the DWP will provide a suitable replacement service after this date.


"The DWP has a contract in place with Post Office Limited to provide access to Post Office card accounts throughout its network of branches and ATM’s, this includes some retail outlets. The contract ensures that Post Office card account users have reasonable access to their benefit and pension payments."

molerat

http://www.disabilitynottinghamshire.org.uk/2019/02/dwp-confirms-that-post-office-card-account-contract-to-end-in-november-2021/


They are obviously trying to push people into making arrangements before it does end in 2021 but it looks like an alternative system will be put in place.