12 May 2003
60,000 SOCIAL SECURITY CUSTOMERS SAY YES TO DIRECT PAYMENT
Over 60,000 social security customers have already said yes to having their benefit paid directly into a bank, building society or post office card account.
Order books and giro cheques are being phased out over the next two years and the Direct Payment of benefits into accounts is the way that all benefits will be paid in the future.
The Social Security Agency’s Chief Executive, Chris Thompson, revealed the early success of Direct Payment, as he announced details of a province-wide advertising campaign to increase public awareness of Direct Payment.
He said: "The figures speak volumes. We are absolutely delighted that so many of our customers have acted so quickly and so positively. In just over a month, nearly two thirds of the people we have contacted have opted for the convenience of Direct Payment. To date we have been in touch with about 100,000 customers and only a few hundred have said they would prefer to stay with the old system.
"This is a very clear signal that Direct Payment will work. Putting money straight into a customer’s preferred account is proving popular. The vast majority of our customers are agreeing direct payment is right for them. To those who have not yet heard from us I would say that they do not need to do anything until they get a letter from us.
"Our advertising campaign is now well underway and I hope it will reassure and encourage customers that direct payment is a much safer and more convenient method of paying benefits."
"The campaign which will include television, radio and press advertisements is aimed at letting the public know about Direct Payment and to encourage them to have their benefits paid directly into an account of their choice."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The Social Security Agency aims to convert half a million customers to Direct Payment by the end of 2005.
- Of the 60,000 who have responded to invitations about two thirds have opted for a bank or building society account and a third for the Post Office card account.
- All Social Security Agency customers will receive an invitation letter detailing their options and an information leaflet. There is also a help-line available for any customer who wants to discuss their options in more detail.
- Anyone can receive further information about Direct Payment by telephoning 0800 107 5000.
Click here to print this press release.
