The U.S. Department of the Treasury needs your library’s help in getting out the word on changes to Federal Benefit Checks. Everyone who receives a paper check for Social Security or other federal benefit payments is required by law to switch to an electronic payment by March 1, 2013. This is your last chance to make one final push to help people comply with this law before time runs out.
It’s fast, free and easy for federal benefit check recipients to sign up for direct deposit or the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card by calling the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
Urge senior citizens, people with disabilities and other federal benefit check recipients to call now to avoid delays near the deadline. For direct deposit, they can also sign up online at www.GoDirect.org or by visiting their local bank or credit union.
Inform People of their Options
The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two electronic payments options:
•        Direct deposit. People with checking or savings accounts can sign up to get their money by direct deposit. Their federal benefit payment will go straight into their account on payment day each month. On time, every time.
•        Direct Express® card. Those who don’t have a bank account or prefer a prepaid debit card should switch to the Direct Express® card. Money will be posted to the card account on payment day each month. There’s no need to wait for the mail or to make a special trip to cash a check. Cardholders 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.
People who do not choose an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013, may be issued a Direct Express® card.
We have put a link to “go direct” on the main page under federal links.