Website of the UK government

Set up a Post Office (TM) card account

Payments you receive from government departments - like your pension or other benefits - will go straight into your personal Post Office^TM card account. You can nominate someone to access your account on your behalf.

You can find out more by contacting your local Jobcentre Plus or social security office that deals with your benefit(s) or pension, or from the post office. Your local post office should be able to give you a leaflet - 'A guide to your card account' - with an application form.

The Post Office^TM helpline number is 08457 22 33 44, 8.15 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday and 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Saturday.

• Find your local authority
• Find your local pension office (opens new window)
• Find your local Jobcentre Plus office (opens new window)

Nominating a helper to access your account

You will need to fill in section 4 on the application form to select a helper. The formal name given to your helper is 'Permanent Agent'. Your helper will have to sign the form, and then you or your helper should go to your local post office branch with the completed form and any one of the following original documents belonging to your helper:

Your helper must be 16 years old or over. Make sure you choose someone you can trust who will not abuse your arrangement.

How does it work?

When your application is complete and has been processed, your helper will be sent a card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that can be used at any post office to withdraw money from your account on your behalf. (Only government departments can pay money into your account, and the card cannot be used like a credit card.) When you apply for the card you will be given lots of information about keeping your account safe.

Set up a Direct Payment to your bank or building society account

You could choose to receive a Direct Payment of a benefit, pension, allowance or tax credit into a bank or building society account of your choice. Most banks and building societies have arrangements to allow someone to access your account with your permission - you will probably have to sign a third party mandate instruction form. You can also manage your finances using the internet with many new accounts.

You or your chosen helper should contact your bank or building society about this.

A Direct Payment is not the same as direct payments from your local council, which you can receive if you are entitled to financial help for care services but want to make your own arrangements for care.

• The difference between a Direct Payment and direct payments (money, tax and benefits section)
• Download 'Direct Payment - a guide to third party access' (opens new window)
• Internet use and computer training for over 50s

Receive a cheque payment

People who cannot receive a Direct Payment or open a personal Post OfficeTM card account may be able to receive a cheque payment. The cheque payment scheme is there to help people who have severe difficulty with:

Cheque payment is only for those who genuinely cannot use Direct Payment.

How does a cheque payment work?

Your nominated helper will cash the cheque payment on your behalf.

You will need to sign the back of the cheque to show you have asked someone else to cash it for you. The helper will also sign a declaration, and provide evidence of both your identities at your Post OfficeTM or bank/building society.

Power of Attorney

You may want to set up your own Power of Attorney (POA) using a solicitor. This option is suitable if you want to formalise the arrangement where your relative or trusted friend accesses your account as an agent while having no legal title to the funds. You will still need to discuss the payment arrangements with your bank, building society or Post OfficeTM.

• Managing your affairs and enduring power of attorney

More useful links

• Recognise and report elder abuse
• Guide to benefits when caring for someone