A scheme designed to simplify benefit payments has been condemned for being too complicated.

The Government wants cash paid directly into personal accounts rather than over the counter.

Critics say the system for setting up post office accounts involves 16 steps and is confusing.

Many people, particularly the elderly, use post offices rather than banks.

Linda Lewyckyj, from Brighton, is entitled to about £70 a month on behalf of 12-year-old daughter Soraya but couldn't work out the new system.

She said: "It is very baffling. I wanted to keep to the same system as before so I could take in my book and get the payment monthly as it was far easier.

"But I was told I couldn't. It was fortunate the lady in the post office was marvellous and went through it all with me.

"It is all so complicated. I did the pin number part wrong so I had to take it all back to the post office and do it again.

"Most people were quite happy with the system before and this means more money being spent on administration."

The Department for Work and Pensions wants all benefits, State pensions and war pensions to be paid straight into a bank, building society or post office account by next year.

Sue Jupp, 58, from Lindfield, receives a disability benefit because she suffers from muscular dystrophy and is in a wheelchair.

She said: "I have agreed to pay mine into a bank because it seems the least complicated way but having a card and a pin number as a disabled person is very difficult.

"There are elderly people who may have been able to collect their pension by giving their book to someone else. It may be much more difficult with a pin number and a card, especially for elderly people who have never used a bank account. I think the whole system works against the individuals."

A spokeswoman at the Department for Work and Pensions said: "Direct Payment system is a rolling programme.

"People need do nothing until they are contacted by us.

"To avoid financial hardship, customers can continue to use their order books until their Direct Payment is ready for use. "We want to know if customers are experiencing problems so we can resolve them."

Anyone having trouble with the system can call the Post Office on 0845 223344 or the Direct Payment help line 0800 1072000.