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<p>The Department has been encouraging Post Office card account customers to transfer
to a standard account since 2016. Paying claimants into a standard account is the
most efficient and safest payment method for the customer, and the Department.</p><p>
</p><p>Standard accounts have many advantages for the individual, for example, the
ability to use direct debits and to pay for goods and services using a debit card.
A standard account allows customers to access cash payments via a wide range of outlets
and settings. The Post Office delivers personal banking services for a wide range
of banks, building societies and other financial institutions, including cash withdrawal
with a debit card.</p><p> </p><p>The Department has continuously gathered insight
from customers who contact us to discuss the closure of their Post Office card account
to better understand their needs. This insight identified that some customers are
unable to open or use an alternative account and for these customers we will pay through
an alternative payment exception service to ensure that nobody will be left without
access to their benefits or pension.</p>
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