Work and Pensions Minister Chris Pond announced that vulnerable people will be paid by cheque, which can be cashed at the Post Office, following the conversion of benefits and pensions to Direct Payment.

Government Response: Department for Work and Pensions

Chris Pond work and pensions secretary said : “Direct Payment is a more modern, reliable and safer method of payment which has proven popular with pensioners and benefit recipients. More customers are now paid into an account rather than by order book and enjoy the increased flexibility and security that this brings.

“We have already announced that we will stop using order books from next year and so we have to protect those vulnerable customers who are genuinely unable to manage an account.

“This is not an alternative option for those who can operate an account but a way of ensuring those who cannot, continue to get their money once the switchover to Direct Payment is complete. 

“We have liaised with groups including CAB, Help the Aged, Age Concern and MIND to try to design the best possible service.  That‘s why we will pay those customers concerned by cheque, with enhancements to security.”