HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning an estimated 7,500 Tax Credits, Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance claimants they have just a few weeks left to switch their Post Office card account (POca).
HMRC will stop making payments to Post Office card accounts after April 5, 2022, which means those currently collecting their payments through POCa must notify HMRC of their new account details as soon as possible, so they don’t miss out on vital payments.
In November 2021, HMRC extended the deadline to the end of the financial year. The one-off extension to the contract meant customers could temporarily continue to receive their payments into their Post Office account, giving them extra time to set up new accounts and notify the department.
Nearly 138,800 customers have already switched their accounts and provided HMRC with updated bank account details, however, time is running out for the remaining 7,500.
Customers can choose to receive their benefit payments to a bank, building society or credit union account. If they already have an alternative account, they can contact HMRC now to update their details.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We want to make sure that no customer misses out on the benefit payments they are entitled to. If you still need to switch your Post Office card account, contact HMRC to update your bank account details by 5 April.”
Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance customers can use their Personal Tax Account to provide revised account details, change their bank account details via GOV.UK or by contacting the Child Benefit helpline on 0300 200 3100.
Tax credits customers can change their bank account details by contacting the tax credits helpline on 0345 300 3900. If customers cannot open a bank account, they should contact HMRC.
If a customer misses the April 5 deadline, their payments will be paused until they notify HMRC of their new account details.
The Money Helper website, provided by the Money Advice and Pensions Service, offers information and advice about how to choose the right current account and how to open an account.
HMRC said it has been contacting customers recently to encourage them to take action and will continue to contact them to remind them before the deadline.
How to change account details
Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance customers can use their Personal Tax Account to provide revised account details, change their bank account details via GOV.UK or by contacting the Child Benefit helpline on 0300 200 3100.
Tax Credits customers can change their bank account details by contacting the Tax Credits helpline on 0345 300 3900.
What if I am unable to open a bank account?
HMRC said that anyone who cannot open a bank account, should contact them as soon as possible.
What happens if I do not contact HMRC?
If a customer misses the April 5 deadline, their payments will be paused until they have notified HMRC of their new account details.
In January, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced that it is looking to move benefit claimants and State Pensioners off the Post Office card account by this summer, after extending the previous deadline to allow people more time to make alternate arrangements.
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