Social Security Direct Deposit

Tired of the hassle of traveling to the bank to deposit your Social Security Checks? There may be another way.... read for more details.

The Office of commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development is partnering with the U.S. Department of Treasury for their national campaign to make life safer and easier for people who get Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Direct Deposit is more convenient than getting a paper check in the mail. Yet despite the advantages, many people who rely on Social Security and SSI still get checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks are sponsoring 'Go Direct', a campaign to motivate people who receive federal benefit checks to use direct deposit.

February is Go Direct/Direct Express Month
Help Our Community Members Take Charge of Their Money

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service

In 2008, more than 485,000 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks were reported lost or stolen, while an estimated $64 million in checks issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury were fraudulently endorsed. Despite the risks, millions of American still get their federal benefit payments by check rather than safer, easier electronic payments. Throughout February, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries is joining the U.S. Department of the Treasury's campaign to encourage people receiving federal benefits to get them electronically.

The Treasury Department recommends two safe, easy alternatives to paper checks for federal benefits:

Direct deposit - the Treasury Department's 'Go Direct' campaign provides a fast, easy way to sign up for direct deposit by phone or online. Money goes straight into a checking or savings account each month, so there's no need to wait for the mail or worry about lost or stolen checks. To sign up call (800) 333-1795, go to http://www.godirect.org/ or visit their bank or credit union.

The Direct Express Debit MasterCard card - This prepaid debit card is recommended by the Treasury Department as another safe, convenient alternative to paper checks for Social Security and SSI benefit payments. Cardholders can make purchases, get cash and pay bills. No bank account is required. There are no sign-up fees, monthly fees or overdraft charges. Some fees for optional services may apply. To sign up for the card, or to learn more about its fees and features, call toll-free (877) 212-9991, go to www.USDirectExpress.com , or visit their local Social Security office.

Free materials for your library are available at http://www.godirect.org/ . Questions? Contact Ashley Czernis at (312) 988-2419 or Aczernis@webershandwick.com

Information Provided by Claudia Koeing Outreach Advisor of the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development.