The Department for Work and Pensions has started sending letters to customers who are receiving benefits or pensions payments via their Post Office card account (POca).
People are being informed the POca service is closing and being asked for their bank account details so their benefits and pensions can be paid into this alternative account.
For those who don’t have a bank account, they will automatically be moved over to a new system called the new Payment Exception Service (PES). This will deliver benefits using a digital voucher. People can choose whether they receive the voucher via a text message, an email or a re-useable plastic card.
People moved over to the new PES can continue to use the Post Office to collect their money with the added benefit of being able to access their money from over 28,000 PayPoint outlets across the country.
The Department will look to move everyone off the Post Office card account by Summer 2022.
There is a dedicated DWP customer service centre helpline for those who need help and guidance.
Details are below:
Telephone: 0800 085 7133
Textphone: 0800 085 7146
