FEDERAL BENEFITS PAYMENTS  GOING ELECTRONIC

The U S Treasury Department is going high-tech.  By 2013, paper benefits checks will be replaced by an electronic system.

All individuals receiving Social Security Administration (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Administration (VA) payments, must soon use the government’s new Go Direct Deposit system.

People currently receiving federal benefits checks must switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013.  Those now applying for federal benefits payments must choose an electronic payment option at the time that they first apply for the benefit.

Individuals who do not choose an electronic payment option by that date or when applying for benefits will receive their payments via a Direct Express card sent to them so that they will not experience an interruption in payment.

People who do not choose to deposit their benefits directly into a bank account can use the Direct Express card, which is similar to a prepaid debit card usable fee-free at over 50,000 participating ATMs nationwide.

For more information, contact the toll free customer service number 800-333-1795, or your federal benefits agency.