The closure of three hundred Czech Post branches in July is expected to have a significant impact on the more than 650,000 pensioners who receive their pensions in cash through the postal service. According to Jitka Drmolova, a spokesperson for the Czech Social Security Administration, 23% of monthly pension payouts are paid through the Czech Post office. However, those affected by the closure of the branches may opt for home delivery of their pensions, a service offered by the post office that slightly exceeded the number of recipients picking up their pensions at the post office last year. Home delivery of pensions has only one disadvantage: a person must wait at home for the postman on the day of payout.

While some pensioners may prefer cash payments, the closure of branches may encourage them to open a bank account. Tereza Drbalova, a spokesperson for Česká spořitelna, emphasizes that older adults who are not yet accustomed to bank accounts or electronic payments can easily manage their accounts through ATMs or branch counters. The bank offers one-time and regular payments and also consents to direct debits, i.e., standard payment transactions.

The closure of branches will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the elderly population, who may have difficulty traveling long distances to collect their pensions. However, the situation can be managed by requesting home delivery of pensions or opening a bank account. While some pensioners may be hesitant to switch to electronic payments, managing an account through ATMs or branch counters is not difficult and can provide more security and convenience than cash payments.

It is crucial to note that the closure of branches does not signify the end of postal services. Most post office services can be handled without a branch, and the postal service will continue to operate throughout the country. The closure of branches is part of a broader restructuring of the Czech Post aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of postal services. As such, while the changes may be inconvenient for some, they are necessary to improve postal services for all.

Article by Prague Forum