To: The Secretary Of State for Work & Pensions
FREEDOM OF CHOICE FOR STATE PENSIONERS' PAYMENTS
This campaign has ended.
Pensioners should be able to choose where to collect their pension payments, including from a post office.
Why is this important?
The Department of Work and Pension (DWP) is sending out letters to those whose State pension is not paid into a Bank Account, Building Society or Credit Union. Those holding a Post Office account are being singled out. The DWP urges them to open a bank account so as to make it easier for the DWP to pay them.
These letters that the DWP are sending are upsetting many pensioners.
Many pensioners don’t live within easy reach of a bank, building society or credit union, particularly those in rural areas. Many live on limited means and the travel costs will be expensive for them. Bank accounts also incur charges. It could affect their food supplies, health and welfare if they are poor, sick or incapacitated.
Whether because of their geographical situations, their physical and/or mental ailments or other personal reasons pensioners should have the right to receive their pensions where it best suits them - whether a Post Office, Bank Account, Building Society or Credit Union.
