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Social Security Checks

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) offers various services to individuals and businesses as well as gives Americans the opportunity to apply for retirement benefits, Medicare coverage, disability benefits, survivor benefits and supplemental security income benefits. Once enrolled in one of Social Security’s benefits programs, a person received a monthly paper check of the appropriate amount in the mail. This is no longer the case, however. The paper check system for sending Social Security benefits payments has henceforth been terminated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

A new rule has been implemented to phase out paper checks for federal benefit and non-tax payments by March 1, 2013. This includes payments from the Social Security Administration, Office of Personnel Management, Railroad Retirement Board, Veterans Affairs and Department of Labor. Electronic payments will be the new form of delivery.

Current recipients of Social Security disability, retirement, survivor, and/or supplemental security income benefits in Nevada have until March 1, 2013 to switch to a form of electronic payment. Nevada residents who will qualify and be applying for Social Security benefits on or after May 1, 2011 will receive their payments electronically automatically.

What are the New Social Security Electronic Payment Options?

Whether a person is currently the recipient of Social Security benefits and needs to change, or will be newly applying for benefits under the electronic system, there are 2 delivery options:

  1. Direct deposit to a bank or credit union account; or
  2. Direct deposit to a prepaid Direct Express Debit MasterCard account.

The Direct Express Debit MasterCard requires no bank account or credit check and is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). There are no sign-up, monthly account or overdraft fees and it serves as any other Debit MasterCard would for retail purchases, cash back from purchases, cash withdrawals from bank or credit union tellers, and ATM transactions (1 free ATM cash withdrawal per month’s deposit for network ATMs). There are also other services available for a fee.

The Direct Express Card surcharge-free ATM network includes:

  • Comerica Bank;
  • Charter One;
  • Privileged Status;
  • Alliance One;
  • PNC Bank;
  • MasterCard ATM Alliance; and
  • Money Pass

Making Sure Nothing Goes Wrong When Changing to the Electronic System

Change is often complicated. This new system is expected to not only save $1 billion over the next 10 years, but will also benefit the environment by saving 12 million pounds of paper in the first 5 years. In addition to its fiscal and environmental benefits, it is considered safe and convenient for Social Security benefit recipients. But, as with the implementation of any new system, there will be a lot of confusion, especially for people who are accustomed to the former routine.

At Shook & Stone, our knowledgeable Las Vegas Social Security Disability check attorneys can provide you with the information and guidance you need to transition to the new electronic payment system smoothly. We have years of experience handling various Social Security issues to ensure that our clients receive their full benefits. If you or a loved one has qualms about this new system, please contact us at 1-877-910-2220 so that we may answer all your questions and put your worries to rest.

Related Article:
• Las Vegas Social Security Disability Attorneys