24/09/2004

Study shows benefits of bank account benefits

Independent research published today shows that 90% of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.

The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.

Key findings from the customer research also found that 88% of pensioners are satisfied with Direct Payment arrangements – and only 2% had problems remembering or using their PIN

Work and Pensions Minister Chris Pond said: "This research shows that the new system is proving popular. Customers are finding new accounts easy to open, are happy with the information they get and can use PIN numbers easily."

The research is backed up by separate cases of personal support Direct Payment has received from delighted customers across the country.

Pensioner Joan Myers and her husband, of Hindley, Wigan, both get their money paid through Direct Payment. Mrs Myers said she appreciated the flexibility of the system:

"We've just been on holiday to Eastbourne and my husband was able to get his pension money out of the local Post Office there, it couldn't have been simpler.

"With Direct Payment you don't have to worry about the security of your money."

(gmcg/mb)

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