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Payment direct to your bank account

If you are a tenant or landlord currently receiving Housing Benefit by cheque, you now have a choice of how benefit is paid to you.

It can be paid direct into most banks and building society accounts, but not mortgage accounts or Post Office card accounts. Paying it into a bank account is the best and safest method to receive it as well.

The advantages of having it paid direct are:

• it is safe and secure - other people can't get to your money before you do
• you'll get your money the very same day it is due
• your money won't get lost
• no delays waiting for the post
• it's convenient - you decide when and how much you want to withdraw
• you don't have to travel to your bank or queue up to pay your money in
• using an account may help you save
• from some accounts you can have bills paid
• you can get your money from different places
• you can pay your landlord their rent straight from your bank account

For further help and assistance you can contact one of our offices, by using the link to the right, or email hbsupportteam@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

I have already got a bank account - what should I do?

Make sure that your account can receive direct payment from us by asking at your local office. Then download the form below, complete it and return it to us. The form must be signed by you.

I do not have a bank account - what should I do?

Open an account with a bank or building society of your choice. You will need to provide proof of your identity and address such as a passport or utility bill (including gas, electric, water). Then download the form below, complete it and return it to us. The form must be signed by you.

Why should I open an account?

Opening an account will not only mean that you can receive your Housing Benefit payments faster and more safely but it will also:

• give you the ability to pay your household bills more easily via Direct Debit, some companies also offer a discount for paying by Direct Debit
• provide a route to many other banking services
• make cashing cheques easier as this can be difficult and expensive without a bank account
• help you to have your Housing Benefit paid straight into your bank and then pay your landlord by Direct Debit or Standing Order to save time

Associated documents:

  Claimant direct payments request form  (0.03 MB)
Landlord direct payments request form  (0.03 MB)
Housing Benefit paid direct into your bank account leaflet  (0.09 MB)