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Social Security: Electronic payments become mandatory March 1
By
Judith Bartels, Social Security district manager in Springfield
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[February
07, 2013]
SPRINGFIELD -- Beginning March
1, with few exceptions, all federal benefits, including Social
Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits, are to be paid
electronically. That's according to a rule from the U.S. Department
of the Treasury.
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For years, Social Security has stressed the convenience, security
and safety of getting benefit payments electronically, offering
peace of mind that your payment will arrive on time, even in the
event of natural disasters or being away from home when the check is
in the mail. Electronic payments, by direct deposit or Direct
Express, are not only the best way to receive federal benefit
payments -- for most people, starting in March, they are the only
way. The truth is, for most people getting monthly benefits, this
isn't really a change at all. That's because more than 9 out of 10
individuals who receive benefits from Social Security already
receive payments electronically.
If you get your payments the old-fashioned way and electronic
payments are new to you, here are some things you may want to know
about your future payments.
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Electronic
payments are good for the environment: They save paper and
eliminate transportation costs.
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Electronic payments save taxpayers
money to the tune of $120 million per year: There are no costs
for postage, paper and printing; and electronic payments could
save you money on check-cashing and bank fees.
Visit the Go Direct
website to learn more about getting your Social Security and SSI
payments the safe, easy, inexpensive and green way --
electronically. And rest assured that on payment delivery day, you
won't have to wait for your money; your money is already in the bank
and ready for you to use.
[By JUDITH BARTELS,
Social Security district manager
in Springfield] |
