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Winter Storms Can Be Hazardous to Your Federal Benefit Check
With electronic payments you can count on your money despite severe weather
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service

If you get federal benefit payments by paper checks, you should know that you are required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to switch to an electronic payment method. By getting your money electronically, you will help save taxpayers millions of dollars each year. You must make the switch by March 1, 2013, but you don’t have to wait for the deadline. The winter months are the perfect time to switch and take advantage of the reliability and ease of electronic payments.

Ice, snow and subzero temperatures can leave you trapped in your home and temporarily interrupt important services like mail delivery.  If you rely on paper checks for your federal benefit payments, a winter storm can leave you without access to your money at a time when you need it most. 

Last winter was a record-setter for many parts of the Northeast. Accuweather.com predicts above normal winter precipitation for most of the Northeast during January and February 2012.It’s important to take action now to protect your money before a winter storm hits.

Winterize Your Money Today
Switching to electronic payments is a simple step you can take to ensure your money gets to you on time, every time. With electronic payments, your money won’t be slowed down by winter weather and you won’t need to leave your home to cash or deposit a check. The Treasury Department recommends two electronic payment options:

• Have a bank or credit union account? Sign up to get your money by direct deposit to a checking or savings account. Your federal benefit payment will go straight into your account on payment day each month. On time, every time.
• Prefer a prepaid debit card? Switch to the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card. You money will be posted to the card account on payment day each month. You can make purchases and get cash back with purchases at no charge anywhere Debit MasterCard® is accepted. There are no sign-up fees, overdraft fees or monthly fees. Some fees for optional services may apply. For information on card fees and features, visit www.GoDirect.org. No bank account or credit check is needed.

Switching is Fast, Easy and Free

To switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express® card, contact your federal benefit agency office, visit the Treasury Department’s Go Direct® campaign website at www.GoDirect.org, or call the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795. For direct deposit to a checking or savings account, you can also make the switch at your local bank or credit union.

Winterize your federal benefit payments now before a winter storm gets between you and your money. Switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express® card today.  For more information, including an instructional video on how to sign up, visit www.GoDirect.org.