SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has welcomed clarity from the Department for Communities on Post Office (POca) accounts.
Customers can continue to use their accounts for benefits and state pension payments until an alternative payment exemption service is established.
The Department’s contract with the Post Office is due to end on November 2021 and customers have been encouraged to switch to an alternative bank or building society.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Following my multiple questions to the Minister within the last year regarding Post Office card accounts (POca), I am glad that clarity has now been given.
“Although POca will be closed to new customers from May 11 onwards, I have received assurances that existing customers can continue using their accounts to access their benefits until an alternative payment exemption service is developed.
“Having dealt with numerous queries about the upcoming changes, the prolonged uncertainty surrounding these accounts has caused a great deal of confusion and stress for a lot of vulnerable people.
“For many pensioners the Post Office account is a simple and trusted method and has proved very effective to date- many of whom prefer this option to the mainstream account and banking services.
“As such, I hope the department’s replacement exemption service, in line with their aim for greater financial inclusion, will prove as easy to navigate to ensure there is no further confusion for service-users going forward.”
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