Michael Creed
Question:69 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Social Welfare where Social Welfare cheques can be cashed; and the arrangements, if any, which exist between An Post and his Department with regard to this.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Cheques.
Cheque payment is just one of a number of different payment methods used by my Department. About 60,000 cheques are issued each week to Disability Benefit, Unemployment Assistance and Unemployment Benefit recipients.
The arrangements for cheque payments have been in operation for many years and have worked well. The majority of clients (60 per cent) cash their cheques at banks and building societies while the remainder cash their cheques at shops and supermarkets. Social Welfare cheques are not encashable at post offices.