No More Paper Checks for the Social Security Administration

The U.S. Treasury Department has implemented a new rule to phase out paper checks for federal benefit and non-tax payments by March 1, 2013, according to The Boston Globe. This includes payments from the Social Security Administration, Office of Personnel Management, Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor and Railroad Retirement Board.

Replacing the paper check system will be an electronic direct deposit system.

Many Nevada residents receive benefits from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), be it retirement or disability benefits, and many will be applying for benefits this year. Nevada residents who currently receive Social Security benefits have until March 1, 2013 to change to a form of electronic payment.

The easiest way to do this is through the SSA’s website.

Those who choose not to switch to direct deposit can instead receive a Direct Express debit card from Comerica Bank, which will allow them to manage their benefits electronically and access cash at ATMs and banks that accept MasterCard. This debit card option is free of charge, and Comerica Bank will send out a monthly statement.

The goal of this new rule is to decrease the amount of fraud that can occur with paper checks and accelerate the process by which people receive their benefits.

For more information on transitioning federal benefit payments from paper checks to direct deposit or debit cards, please call 1-800-333-1795 or visit https://www.GoDirect.org.

By making the switch to electronic payments, Nevada residents can protect their personal information and make sure that their benefits are received safely and securely, sooner than ever before.

The transition is a simple one, and it is an important step in protecting yourself and your benefits. Don’t wait; act now to make sure your benefits are secure by March 1, 2013.

Those who are planning to apply for Social Security benefits on or after May 1, 2011 will receive their payments electronically automatically. Regardless of which type Social Security recipient a Nevada resident is, they have 2 electronic payment options:

1. Direct deposit into a bank or credit union account; or
2. Direct deposit into a debit card account.

Changing a long-time routine can be difficult and confusing. The experienced Nevada Social Security disability lawyers at Shook & Stone know how important it is to continue receiving benefits. We can help you transition to the new system smoothly and without complications.

Call us today for a free consultation so that one of our knowledgeable attorneys may answer your questions and provide you with the legal guidance you need at 702-570-0000.

References:

The Boston Globe. (n.d.). New Rule Requires Direct Deposit for Social Security Benefits.

Go Direct. (n.d). About Go Direct: Get Your Benefits Faster, Safer and Easier. Retrieved from https://www.godirect.org/about-go-direct/

Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Direct Deposit for Federal Benefits: Get Your Money Faster and Safer.