State pension payments set to change for thousands in November – act now | Personal Finance | Finance
Many state pensioners will need to be aware of an important, looming change as it could relate to how they are paid. Traditionally, thousands of older people have opted to have their payments issued to the Post Office.
The Post Office Card Account (POca) was designed for this specific purpose, to make it easier to receive payments such as the state pension.
However, the popularity of the card account has waned in recent years, bringing about a key change.
From November 30, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it will no longer make payments to POcas.
The Government has explained its preference is to pay into a bank, building society or credit union.
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From the date stated on the form, Britons will no longer be able to access their account either in branches or via ATMs.
However, some may have not put alternative arrangements into place, meaning they could be missing out on the state pension.
In order to ensure state pension payments are not stopped, it is vital individuals provide the DWP with details of a bank account they would like their payments to be issued.
Many state pensioners will now have to adjust to a new way of receiving their payments.
They will have three options, clearly laid out by the Government-backed service Money Helper.
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Option Two – New account
Certain individuals will not have a current account, but these can be opened via a bank, building society or credit union.
Britons will be able to open an account in person or online, and could get a trusted friend or relative to help them with the process.
There are various accounts available to people, and they may wish to shop around for one which meets their needs
Option Three – Payment Exception Service
If it is not possible for a person to have a current account, then they could receive their state pension through the Payment Exception Service.
This is available through the following three methods:
- A unique number via a text message on one’s phone
- A unique PDF voucher via email
- A payment card – which the DWP will send pre-loaded with vouchers enabling a person to take out money at a Post Office branch or PayPoint retailer.
Those who choose to be paid through emailed vouchers or the Payment Card will also need to show proof of their identity.
