§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what arrangements have been made to ensure that a Post Office card account holder who has nominated a named carer or home care worker is able to have their pension collected when the carer or home care worker changes unexpectedly. [105257]
§ Malcolm WicksCustomers in these circumstances may find that the Post Office card account is not the most suitable account for them. However, if a customer finds themselves in this situation the customer can apply for a second card in the name of their new carer.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the exception scheme for the post office card account will be in place; and what it will cover. [105261]
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§ Malcolm WicksThe Department have always recognised that there will be a small number of people who cannot manage to access their benefit or pension via an account, including the post office card account. An alternative method of payment will be used for this group and will be in place when it is required.
§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many(a) retirement pensioners and (b) recipients of child benefit will be able to arrange weekly payments to a bank or Post Office card account from next month. [105272]
§ Malcolm WicksThere will be no change to payment frequency following the move to Direct Payment for retirement pension and child benefit recipients. This means that those customers paid weekly now will continue to be paid weekly after the move to Direct Payment.