When you fill in claim form for unemployment benefit, you're encouraged to have it paid directly to a bank account. However, it's also compulsory to answer the question about your nearest post office. According to the staff in Jobcentre Plus, that information is required specifically to ensure that there will be a continuity of payments if, for any reason, the money can't be paid through the nominated bank account.
So it seems that, on some occasions, 'officialdom' is capable of thinking ahead.
Chris