Our latest press release.
A digital cash service offering fast-track payments for emergency use is being made readily available for refugees through the Post Office. The Payout Now service offers local authorities a way of providing refugees with emergency cash payments without the need to provide a visa or proof of address.
More than 3.5 million[1] people have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion 27 days ago and the UK has currently issued 9,500 visas to Ukrainian refugees[2]. Following the announcement that more than 150,000 Britons have signed up to host Ukrainian refugees under the Homes for Ukraine government scheme[3], this number is expected to rise even further[4].
With more than 200,000 Ukrainian nationals expected to arrive in the UK[5] imminently, the Payout Now service does not require a three-year visa or any other granted visa for this emergency fund.
The concept, developed by leading Sussex-based security-print company Zunoma in partnership with the Post Office, provides instant and emergency cash relief to vulnerable people without the need for a bank account or a valid ID. The scheme has helped over 103,000individuals since the Payout Now service began in 2019.
To access the service, refugees must contact or visit the nearest local councilor Citizens Advice, which will be able to issue a one-time use barcode voucher for a nominated amount. This barcode voucher will be sent to the customer via SMS or email, which can be exchanged at any Post Office branch for cash.
Phil Ouzman, Managing Director at Zunoma, said: ““This is a humanitarian crisis and we are proud to partner with the Post Office, to offer an easy to use and quick payment facility to those in desperate need.
“Whether it be a refugee or a UK citizen in need of emergency funds, the Payout Now service offers peace of mind that emergency cash will be available to those who need it.”
Payout Now vouchers can be redeemed by visiting one of the 11,500 Post Office branches in the country. With no need for a UK bank account, all payments are made in cash, giving refugees peace of mind that financial support is ready immediately.
Additionally, the Post Office has announced that those who wish to donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) fundraising campaign to help refugees from Ukraine can do so at the Post Office. DEC is raising funds to supply Ukrainian refugees with food, water, medical assistance, protection, and trauma care and has warned that support for Ukraine is likely to be needed for many years.
All Post Offices nationwide are now accepting donations and every pound donated will be matched by the government up to a total of £20 million.
Simon Lambert, Commercial Director at the Post Office, said: All those at the Post Office continue to be devastated by the conflict in Ukraine and we are committed to supporting the Ukrainians in any way that we can.
“Not only are we are accepting donations in all of our Post Offices to encourage the general public to easily donate, but our Payout Now service will offer hundreds of refugees emergency financial support from the moment they step foot in the UK.”
The Post Office Payout Now service uses identity verification, single use barcoded vouchers and unique reference codes that provide real time connectivity to any Post Office counter system.
For more information about the Post Office and Zunoma Payout Now service, please visit www.zunoma.com/security-print-software/financial-services/refunds-and-cashback.
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60555472
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/mar/21/hundreds-of-thousands-of-ukrainian-refugees-poised-to-enter-uk-says-sajid-javid#:~:text=Sajid%20Javid%20said%20the%20UK,the%20Homes%20for%20Ukraine%20programme.
[3] https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/
[4] https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-ukrainian-refugees-russian-invasion-michael-gove-b988105.html
[5] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/01/uk-to-relax-visa-rules-for-extended-family-of-ukrainians-in-britain