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Post Office Card Accounts to be closed ?
- George
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3 years 8 months ago #261989 by George
Post Office Card Accounts to be closed ? was created by George
Hi everyone.
Please could I have some advice about Post Office Card accounts for benefit payments.
Over the years, I have received several letters asking me to open a bank account to receive my benefits (ESA and PIP) but previous advice was to ignore these letters as Post office Card accounts were not being withdrawn as claimed by DWP.
Today I have received another letter from DWP stating they are to stop paying benefits into my Post Office Card account soon as it would be closed and, I must open a bank account to continue receiving my benefits or my payments will sent as vouchers as part of some kind of "payment exception scheme" ?.
This is very alarming as I have not had a bank account for many years and don't know what I should do or which bank to go to. Are the really going to close my Post Office Card account this time or is this something I should again ignore ?.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thank's
Please could I have some advice about Post Office Card accounts for benefit payments.
Over the years, I have received several letters asking me to open a bank account to receive my benefits (ESA and PIP) but previous advice was to ignore these letters as Post office Card accounts were not being withdrawn as claimed by DWP.
Today I have received another letter from DWP stating they are to stop paying benefits into my Post Office Card account soon as it would be closed and, I must open a bank account to continue receiving my benefits or my payments will sent as vouchers as part of some kind of "payment exception scheme" ?.
This is very alarming as I have not had a bank account for many years and don't know what I should do or which bank to go to. Are the really going to close my Post Office Card account this time or is this something I should again ignore ?.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thank's
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- Catherine
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3 years 8 months ago #262001 by Catherine
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Catherine on topic Post Office Card Accounts to be closed ?
Hello George,
I had not heard about this, but a quick internet search shows it to be right.
www.postoffice.co.uk/post-office-card-account/important-changes
It is beyond the scope of this site to recommend any particular bank or building society to you. However, I would suggest that you go into the one which is easiest for you to get to, and talk to them about your situation. I think you will find that most banks and building societies are very friendly and helpful.
You could also ask in your local post office if they have a particular recommendation.
Catherine
I had not heard about this, but a quick internet search shows it to be right.
www.postoffice.co.uk/post-office-card-account/important-changes
It is beyond the scope of this site to recommend any particular bank or building society to you. However, I would suggest that you go into the one which is easiest for you to get to, and talk to them about your situation. I think you will find that most banks and building societies are very friendly and helpful.
You could also ask in your local post office if they have a particular recommendation.
Catherine
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- Gary
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3 years 8 months ago #262012 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Post Office Card Accounts to be closed ?
Hi George
Yes DWP will stop paying in to Post Office accounts, they were going to stop a few years ago but decided to extent paying into claimants with a Post Office card a/c.
When will the change be happening?
All customers receiving payment will have been written to already. If you have not responded, DWP will write to you again before November 2021.
You must have chosen and set-up how you would like to receive your tax credits, benefits and pension by November 2021.
What do I need to do now?
You will have three options to receive pensions and benefits payments in the future:
1. Use an existing account you have with a bank, building society or credit union
2. Open an account with a bank, building society or credit union
3. Payment Exceptions Service www.gov.uk/payment-exception-service
If you are unable to use or set up a bank, building society or credit union account, the government will get in contact with you about their new Payment Exceptions Service. www.postoffice.co.uk/post-office-card-account/important-changes
Gary
Yes DWP will stop paying in to Post Office accounts, they were going to stop a few years ago but decided to extent paying into claimants with a Post Office card a/c.
When will the change be happening?
All customers receiving payment will have been written to already. If you have not responded, DWP will write to you again before November 2021.
You must have chosen and set-up how you would like to receive your tax credits, benefits and pension by November 2021.
What do I need to do now?
You will have three options to receive pensions and benefits payments in the future:
1. Use an existing account you have with a bank, building society or credit union
2. Open an account with a bank, building society or credit union
3. Payment Exceptions Service www.gov.uk/payment-exception-service
If you are unable to use or set up a bank, building society or credit union account, the government will get in contact with you about their new Payment Exceptions Service. www.postoffice.co.uk/post-office-card-account/important-changes
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- denby
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3 years 8 months ago #262030 by denby
Replied by denby on topic Post Office Card Accounts to be closed ?
Hi George, this is a nuisance for you. If you have a Post Office handy, you will find if once you have a bank account, you can do most things [draw and pay in cash, pay in cheques, pay bills] at Post Office counters. I have a Co-Op bank account, they have very few branches these days but I can use the PO as my bank branch.
"What do I need to open a co-operative bank account?
Opening an account with The Co-operative Bank You can apply to open an account either in store or online. Information you’ll need includes how much you earn (including pensions or benefits), any previous addresses from the last three years, the name and address of your employer and your current bank details." If not working I do not know what if any other info they will want/accept.
Hope this is a little help,
Denby
"What do I need to open a co-operative bank account?
Opening an account with The Co-operative Bank You can apply to open an account either in store or online. Information you’ll need includes how much you earn (including pensions or benefits), any previous addresses from the last three years, the name and address of your employer and your current bank details." If not working I do not know what if any other info they will want/accept.
Hope this is a little help,
Denby
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- zjevans
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3 years 8 months ago #262082 by zjevans
Replied by zjevans on topic Post Office Card Accounts to be closed ?
Hi George
Starling offer an easy to open basic bank account using their app on your phone (takes less than 5 mins) - that is, if you have a smart phone. As with the co-op you can also use the Post Office to Withdraw and Pay-in but you won't have to worry about getting to a branch ever as it's all app-based.
You can also pay in cheques using the app (taking a photo of the cheque) but it's simple to use and manage.
Monzo have a similar offering but you cannot do your banking at the post office with them.
Just search "Starling" in the App Store (or Play Store) and it'll talk you through it step by step.
It's probably one of the simplest bank apps to use!
Hope this helps!
Starling offer an easy to open basic bank account using their app on your phone (takes less than 5 mins) - that is, if you have a smart phone. As with the co-op you can also use the Post Office to Withdraw and Pay-in but you won't have to worry about getting to a branch ever as it's all app-based.
You can also pay in cheques using the app (taking a photo of the cheque) but it's simple to use and manage.
Monzo have a similar offering but you cannot do your banking at the post office with them.
Just search "Starling" in the App Store (or Play Store) and it'll talk you through it step by step.
It's probably one of the simplest bank apps to use!
Hope this helps!
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- Gary
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3 years 8 months ago #262088 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Post Office Card Accounts to be closed ?
Hi George
Although it is outside the remit of the forum.
We have received good advice from forum members about bank accounts, you need to do your due diligence, at the end of the day it has to be something that you find convenient and easy to use.
Gary
Although it is outside the remit of the forum.
We have received good advice from forum members about bank accounts, you need to do your due diligence, at the end of the day it has to be something that you find convenient and easy to use.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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