The Post Office has launched a new cash delivery service with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure the most at-risk households can access pensions and benefits. Vulnerable Post Office Card Account customers and those advised to shield by the NHS can be sent up to £2,500 cash if they do not have any other options to access their money, to ensure that they are not financially isolated.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52384053 has reference to “volunteer” and “companion” cards, which may also provide ways round the how to access cash issue.
Anyone who cannot leave home may be able to ask a trusted friend or volunteer to withdraw cash at any Post Office using a single-use voucher. The products are Payout Now – a voucher sent by text, email or post to a customer who can share it with a trusted person to withdraw cash; and Fast Pace – a service allowing a customer to arrange for a trusted person to collect a cheque from them, cash it at Post Office and return with the money.
These products are being made available to all banks, building societies and credit unions, to make it easier for people who are self-isolating to access cash.
Coronavirus: Ask-a-friend cash access scheme extended
Post Office helps self-isolating people access cash more easily