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You can
rely on electronic payments
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[November 12, 2011]
You
probably don’t need a reminder that natural disasters lurk around
the corner when we least expect it.
Many natural disasters
force people to leave their homes. The last thing a person who
falls victim to this kind of devastation needs to worry about is how
they’re going to get their next Social Security or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) payment. |
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Here’s a solution. Make sure
that you’re receiving your benefit payments electronically.
Electronic payments are the best way to receive your benefit
payments. Here’s why.
Electronic payments are
safe. Your money is deposited directly into your account each
month. Because it’s transferred electronically, there’s never a risk
of your check being lost or stolen.
Electronic payments are
quick. You’ll get your payment faster when it’s made
electronically. Your money is immediately available to you once it’s
deposited; no waiting by the mailbox for the check to arrive.
Electronic payments are
convenient. No more need to stand in line at the bank to cash
your check or to leave your house when the weather is bad. It’s also
nice to know your payment is in your account instead of your mailbox
when you’re on vacation or away from home.
Perhaps we also should mention
that electronic payments are now mandatory. People who apply
for Social Security benefits on or after May 1, 2011, must receive
payments electronically. Nearly everyone currently receiving
benefits who has not signed up for electronic payments must switch
to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. Electronic payments may be
made by direct deposit, the Direct Express card program, or an
Electronic Transfer Account. You can learn more about all three at
www.godirect.org.
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If you’re ever faced with a
devastating event, there will be no question about where you’ll find
your money when you receive electronic payments. The same cannot be
said for paper checks being sent to mailboxes that may no longer
exist.
Learn more by reading our
online fact sheet, Get Your Payments Electronically at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10073.html.
Or go directly to the source, where you can learn more and sign up
for electronic payments:
www.godirect.org.
By Judith Bartels
Social Security District
Manager in Springfield, IL
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