Menu
29/11/2004
Benefit order books replaced by direct payment
The Social Security Agency (SSA) has confirmed that the last ever batch of benefit order books are currently being distributed.
"The last benefit order books are now being sent out, so it's definitely time for change to Direct Payment," said the Social Security Agency's Customer Service Director Anne Flanagan.
Based on the wartime ration book system introduced in the 1940's, the order books are being phased out and no order books will extend beyond December 31, 2004.
Direct Payment adopts a more modern approach to paying social security benefits. The SSA say that it offers greater flexibility, convenience and security for customers, and gives them more control over their money - they do not have to get all of their cash out in one go, as they have to do with order books.
Anne Flanagan says: "By paying their benefit money into a bank, building society or Post Office card account, our customers don't have to worry about keeping cash around the house. Direct Payment is therefore much safer and more secure, particularly for some of our more vulnerable customers."
Customers should contact their nearest Social Security or Jobs & Benefits office where staff will help them to make the change.
Alternatively they can call a freephone number on 0800 107 5000 to receive advice on the options available.
(SP)
"The last benefit order books are now being sent out, so it's definitely time for change to Direct Payment," said the Social Security Agency's Customer Service Director Anne Flanagan.
Based on the wartime ration book system introduced in the 1940's, the order books are being phased out and no order books will extend beyond December 31, 2004.
Direct Payment adopts a more modern approach to paying social security benefits. The SSA say that it offers greater flexibility, convenience and security for customers, and gives them more control over their money - they do not have to get all of their cash out in one go, as they have to do with order books.
Anne Flanagan says: "By paying their benefit money into a bank, building society or Post Office card account, our customers don't have to worry about keeping cash around the house. Direct Payment is therefore much safer and more secure, particularly for some of our more vulnerable customers."
Customers should contact their nearest Social Security or Jobs & Benefits office where staff will help them to make the change.
Alternatively they can call a freephone number on 0800 107 5000 to receive advice on the options available.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 November 2024
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
20 November 2024
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
27 October 2004
Direct Payment proves a winner as order books are phased out
Ninety five per cent of social security customers paid by Direct Payment are satisfied with the service provided, it was revealed today.
Direct Payment proves a winner as order books are phased out
Ninety five per cent of social security customers paid by Direct Payment are satisfied with the service provided, it was revealed today.
16 September 2002
Dodds insists standards must be met over benefit payments
Social Development Minister Nigel Dodds has called for there to be a higher standard of decision-making and payment accuracy of social security benefits. The Minister was speaking following the publication of the Social Security Agency’s 3rd annual report on the 'Quality of Decision Making and Payment Accuracy for Social Security Benefits'.
Dodds insists standards must be met over benefit payments
Social Development Minister Nigel Dodds has called for there to be a higher standard of decision-making and payment accuracy of social security benefits. The Minister was speaking following the publication of the Social Security Agency’s 3rd annual report on the 'Quality of Decision Making and Payment Accuracy for Social Security Benefits'.
16 October 2008
Thousands Aided By Benefit Take-Up Campaign
Thousands of people in NI are now likely to be better off after being offered a full benefit assessment to identify additional benefits they should be claiming.
Thousands Aided By Benefit Take-Up Campaign
Thousands of people in NI are now likely to be better off after being offered a full benefit assessment to identify additional benefits they should be claiming.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
