Go Direct- Deadline approaching
As we seem to be hurtling quickly to toward the end of 2012, we begin to think about opportunities and changes in 2013. One important thing to know from anyone receiving Federal benefits is that by March 1, 2013 you need to switch to Direct Deposit. When we first heard of this, it seemed so far away, but now, here we are at the end of 2012 and March 2013 is approaching fast.
So, who does this affect exactly? By March 1, 2013, everyone getting the following federal benefits by paper check is required to switch to electronic payments – direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or to the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card:
- Social Security
- Supplemental Security Income
- Veterans Affairs
- Railroad Retirement Board
- Office of Personnel Management
- Department of Labor (Black Lung)
How do you switch? People applying for or receiving federal benefit payments must choose an electronic payment option – direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or to a Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card – from the beginning.
If the benefit recipient has a bank or credit union account, they should sign up for direct deposit https://www.godirect.gov/gpw/index.gd, or by calling (800) 333-1795, or visiting their local bank/credit union branch or federal benefit agency office.
If the benefit recipient prefers a prepaid debit card or doesn’t have a bank account, they can call (800) 333-1795, or notify their local federal benefit agency.
People who have not chosen an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013, will receive their money after the deadline date via the Direct Express® card, so they will not experience any interruption in payment.