DWP letter unnecessarily “worrying” says Sefton MP

MP Bill Esterson has moved to reassure constituents with Post Office accounts who have been sent “worrying” letters by the DWP.

The MP for Sefton Central said elderly people might be particularly at risk of finding the letter, which says Post Office accounts can no longer be used to receive benefits, confusing.

Although benefits and pensions will no longer be paid into Post Office accounts, most other high street banks have an agreement with the Post Office which means customers can still withdraw their money there.

The MP said: “A constituent contacted me to say his neighbour had been very distressed to receive the letter, which he believed was from his bank, saying he would no longer be able to withdraw his pension from the Post Office.

“The letter is actually from the DWP and it says that the DWP’s contract with the Post Office is ending and that you’ll no longer be able to have your pension or benefits paid into a Post Office account.

“After a discussion with the resident we discovered he did have a Nationwide account and he could ask for his pension to be paid into his Nationwide account, and would then be able to continue to withdraw his pension at the Post Office.

“I would hate for other residents to be left confused by this unnecessarily worrying letter. There is a number on the letter that people can ring if they are concerned, or they can contact my office on ‪0151 531 8433‬.”

PIC: The letter from the DWP