Many elderly people are self-isolating at the moment and can’t get to the Post Office to collect their state pension.

If you are in this position and need to access your pension payments, you can nominate someone you trust to become a ‘Permanent Agent’ on your account. This person will be given their own card and PIN to collect cash on your behalf.

To nominate a Permanent Agent, you will need to complete the ‘Permanent Agent access form’ (P6163), which is available from most Post Office branches. You can ask someone to pick up a form for you and hand it in at the Post Office on your behalf as long as the form is complete and has been signed by yourself.

Further information is available on the Post Office website at https://www.postoffice.co.uk/post-office-card-account