Missing State pension

JLW1298

Just wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction,

My great aunt is 94.  She moved to be closer to us 2 years ago.
Just recently upon checking her bank statements she realised that her state pension hasn't been paid into her bank account.  After talking things through with her, it actually transpired that her state pension was paid into a Post Office Account.  She remembers that when she told the Post Office she was moving, they kept hold of her Post Office card.

Now, we have no paperwork relating to the Post Office account.

I am aware that these accounts have now closed down and the DWP should have wrote to pensioners advising that payments were now to go into bank accounts or be paid via vouchers.  However, due to moving, she doesn't recall receiving anything.

We have wrote to the DWP prior to Christmas, but unfortunately, no money is going into her main bank account.

Can anyone recommend who will be the easiest people to speak to to get this sorted.  We've spoken to the Post Office, but they cant help.

Many thanks

Marcon

JLW1298 said:

Just wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction,

My great aunt is 94.  She moved to be closer to us 2 years ago.
Just recently upon checking her bank statements she realised that her state pension hasn't been paid into her bank account.  After talking things through with her, it actually transpired that her state pension was paid into a Post Office Account.  She remembers that when she told the Post Office she was moving, they kept hold of her Post Office card.

Now, we have no paperwork relating to the Post Office account.

I am aware that these accounts have now closed down and the DWP should have wrote to pensioners advising that payments were now to go into bank accounts or be paid via vouchers.  However, due to moving, she doesn't recall receiving anything.

We have wrote to the DWP prior to Christmas, but unfortunately, no money is going into her main bank account.

Can anyone recommend who will be the easiest people to speak to to get this sorted.  We've spoken to the Post Office, but they cant help.

Many thanks

Did she (or someone on her behalf) set up an arrangement with Royal Mail for her post to be redirected after she moved? If not, her mail will either have been returned to sender, destroyed by the new occupant or possibly (less likely) misappropriated by them.

You say you wrote to DWP before Christmas, but it's likely there will be a delay of some months before they even get round to looking at the letter, never mind responding. I'd give them a ring: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/47760/trustees-powers-to-reduce-benefits/p2

JLW1298

Hi, yes, my dad (83) believes one was set up for her, but only for 3 months
I wonder whether she received post advising of its closure before she moved but didn't take much notice of the contents.
Thank you for your advice.  I'll advise my dad to call with her beside him.  Thanks again!