Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert warns thousands on benefits need to act NOW or payments could be stopped

That's because HMRC will stop making payments into these accounts from April 5.

You will need to open a new bank account, or tell HMRC details of an account you already have to continue getting the money.

Otherwise, payments will be suspended until you let the tax office know your bank details.

Anyone who gets benefits paid by the DWP, including Universal Credit and the State Pension, into a Post Office account will continue to get payments for now.

But payments of these benefits into Post Office accounts will also stop in November this year.

HMRC has been writing to affected customers to let them know of the change since October 2019.

The deadline has been extended several times, but April 5 is the new cut off for tax benefits, child benefit and guardian's allowance.

More than 143,000 people have already opened a new account and provided HMRC with the details, the tax office said last week.

But customers who have not done so are at risk of missing payments if they don't switch in time.

Post Office card accounts were launched in 2003 to replace the old state pension "order books" and to allow people without a bank account to get payments.

But they're being phased out because the contracts that HMRC and the DWP have with the company are coming to an end.

How do I get benefit payments after Post Office accounts close?

If you're affected by the change, you should have received a letter from HMRC.

If you claim child benefit or guardian's allowance, you can use your Personal Tax Account to let HMRC know about the new bank account, or use the  to report changes.

You could also call the Child Benefit line on 0300 200 3100.

People who claim tax credits can change their account details  too, or by calling the tax credits helpline on 0345 300 3900.