Pensioners have been urged to supply bank details to Government so pension cheques can be paid directly into their bank accounts. Letters were posted to all seniors requesting the information after Government said switching to the direct method would save time.

Karen Daniels, Director of the Department of Social Insurance, said more than 1,000 pensioners complied with the request ? and she called on thousands more to follow that lead.

She said direct deposit was more effective, efficient and secure. If cheques were lost or stolen, she added, Government had to cancel the original and issue a replacement. In stolen cases, an investigation would have to be launched at taxpayers? expense. Pensioners who wanted their January 15 payment paid straight into their accounts had to meet a New Year?s Eve deadline to give details to the Department of Social Insurance. Those who have not made the deadline will still be issued cheques.