4 March 2003

MLAs BRIEFED ON DIRECT PAYMENT

Over the next two years the Social Security Agency is changing the way it pays benefits. Payment by order books and giros is gradually being phased out.

The Social Security Agency in conjunction with the Post Office and the Northern Ireland Banker’s Association hosted a briefing session for MLAs at Parliament Buildings today about the changes. From April 2003 the payment of social security benefits into bank, building society or Post Office accounts, known as Direct Payment, will become the Agency’s normal method of payment.

Speaking at the event at the Long Gallery in Parliament Buildings, Chris Thompson, the Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency, said: "I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that Direct Payment is a safer and more convenient method of payment of their benefits and over the next year we will be getting in touch with all of our customers explaining the changes and what they have to do.

"It is a gradual change and customers do not need to do anything until they receive a personal letter from us.

"We are working with special interest groups to help people who may have difficulty making the change and we will be providing funding to the voluntary sector to help members of the public understand and take advantage of the change."

Welcoming the opportunity to meet with MLAs and their advisors at today’s briefing, Sir John Semple, Director of Northern Ireland Affairs, Royal Mail Group said "The Post Office is on track to have a range of banking services up and running by April 2003 to offer customers the choice they want. Post Office branches have always been the natural place for customers to collect their benefits and there’s no reason why this should not continue."

Bill McAllister, The Secretary of Northern Ireland Bankers Association, said "I am pleased the banking sector has joined forces to work with the Social Security Agency and the Post Office in this presentation to MLAs today. It is good to have the opportunity to confirm that the member banks aim to have the products available to meet the requirements of potential customers from Mid April."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Information Packs were distributed to all in attendance at the briefing session and can be obtained by contacting

   Emma Degans
   Communications Unit and Marketing Unit
   6th Floor
   SSA, Churchill House
   Victoria Square
   Belfast. BT1 4SD
   Telephone 028 90 569336

2. A FREEPHONE HELPLINE NUMBER 0800 107 5000 is available to the public regarding enquiries.

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