JSA payment

Hi,

There was an accommodation during the pandemic allowing those in receipt of Jobseekers payments, have payment transferred into bank account. However the Minister announced recently it is her intention in support of post offices, to gradually move payments back to collection at post offices, starting with new applications. I can't say if this has started yet but if your currently collecting at PO or a new applicant, I'd have to say the chances are slim with regard to being permitted to have payment via bank account.

There are, I believe exceptional circumstances, distance to nearest PO etc but these requests decided on a case by case basis.

You could request but keep in mind the recent announcements on this .

Back in 2018, an a post announced closure 189 of Non performing post offices.

Throughout the entire pandemic 4 rural Post offices closed (2020/2022) all of which had a secondary retail business attached, which was a major factor in their closure.

To put this in context, Footfall dropped dramatically at Post offices and not just because SW/Jobseekers /Pension/Disibility recepients were given a choice to revert to bank or credit union direct payments. FOUR post offices closed permanently and not primarily because a DEASP decision.

Meanwhile, 2 Major Banks with well over a Million active customers are not just closing but leaving the Irish Market entirely.

Those that are remaining have infact closed far more branches in the past 4 years than the An Post have.

Context!!!!!!