POST
OFFICE CARD ACCOUNT
We heard from a
man complaining that because he’d taken out a Post Office
Card Account, he’d only had half a day to collect his benefits
on Christmas Eve – if he’d had a benefits book he’d
have been able to get a double payment the week before.
Last week the Post office said the Social Security Agency had been aware of
their closing times;
The Post Office told On Your
Behalf...
“
Transfers of benefits into Post Office Card Accounts that would
normally have been made on Christmas Day and Boxing Day were
made by the Social Security Agency on 24th December. Information
about payment of pensions and benefits over the holiday period
was displayed on special notices in all of our branches and
published in the press. The SSA was of course, aware of Post
Office opening times over this period”
The Social Security Agency
spokesman came On Your Behalf and said that that...
“Payment was advanced so it was available before a public holiday and for
the majority of their customers, it was easier and more flexible.”
But their explanation wasn’t
good enough for a Limavady woman –
We put her points to the Social Security Agency –they haven’t changed
their position and in a statement said
"We are aware that Direct
Payment by the Post Office Card Account may have caused some
difficulties to some customers however for the majority of our
customers the move to Direct Payment assures a safe, convenient,
more modern and efficient way of paying benefits.
"We are continually monitoring
customer service through Direct Payment and we are monitoring
this issue in light of recent customer feedback.
So if you’re not
happy with the way Direct Payments is working, now is the time
to make your voice heard.
Email
your views and we’ll collate them and present them to the
SSA.
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