The Government has teamed up with the Post Office to get cash payments sent directly to the homes of elderly and vulnerable people during the coronavirus lockdown.
It’s an unprecedented step in a bid to fend off extra financial difficulties for disadvantaged people during the pandemic – many of whom are most at risk of financial exclusion if they can’t get their hands on cash.
The National Shielding Service, a working partnershio with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will get in touch with people in England identified as potentially in need to find out if they need payments delivered to them in cash. It’s hoped this will prevent vulnerable people leaving their homes to get notes and coins thus lowering their risk of picking up coronavirus.
Those who do need it are guaranteed the cash by 9pm the following day with the payments sent using Royal Mail Special Delivery.
The new scheme is initially being made available to Post Office Card Account customers – with all 27,000 being contacted to make sure they can access their payments easily and regularly.
Pensions and financial inclusion minister Guy Opperman said: “We’re doing whatever it takes to ensure people are supported through these unprecedented times. This joint initiative enables us to reach out directly to those most likely to need support, and get cash delivered to their door where necessary.