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Social Security Checks

In mid-2011, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced a new rule that changes how federal benefit recipients receive their payments. Rather than receiving payment by a paper check, a recipient will now receive their money electronically, either by direct deposit or using a pre-paid card. Current benefit recipients will need to switch over to the new system by March 1, 2013.

Anyone currently receiving benefits under the following will be affected by the rule:

Someone who had applied for benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will begin to automatically receive their benefits electronically. Any person currently receiving their benefits by paper check will be required to switch to the new paperless system by March 1, 2013.

What Are the New SSA Electronic Payment Options?

People receiving Social Security benefits in Missouri or other federal benefits will have two options to receive their payments under the new paperless system. The benefit payments can be put into a credit union or bank account by direct deposit, or the funds can be put into a Direct Express Debit MasterCard account. A person does not need to have a bank account nor do they have to undergo a credit check before a card is given to them. There are certain advantages to the card, such as not having to pay sign up, monthly, or overdraft fees. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) also insures the account. The Direct Express Debit MasterCard can be used similarly to an ATM card.

Millions of disabled people in America depend on Social Security benefits and other federal benefits to make a living. The new paperless Social Security benefits payment system will give these people their benefit payments in a way that is easy, convenient, and reliable. Recipients will not have to wait for their check to arrive in the mail to have access to their money; now, their benefits will be paid into their specified account immediately on their payment date. The new system also offers them assurance that their benefits check will not get stolen or become lost.

In addition to these advantages, the electronic benefits payment system will save millions in taxpayer money annually. Before the new system was implemented, paper checks cost taxpayers in America $120 million every year. It is expected the paperless process will save taxpayers $1 billion over the next decade. The new system will also save 12 million pounds of paper after just five years.

Securing Electronic Receipt of Your Social Security Benefits

It can be difficult to adjust to change, particularly if someone has been used to a certain process for many years. It is natural then for anyone receiving Social Security or other federal benefits to feel intimidated by the new payment process and have questions regarding it. The earlier a person learns about the new paperless system and begins to familiarize themselves with how it works, the sooner it can be guaranteed that they will receive the benefit payments they are due. However, if there is any dispute regarding what a benefit recipient should be paid, they would be well-advised to seek the legal counsel of an attorney that has experience handling Social Security benefits cases in Missouri.

If you are having difficulty obtaining the Social Security benefits that are due to you, or if your claim for these benefits has been denied, call Page Law. Our St. Louis Social Security disability check attorneys can explain the new paperless payment process to you and answer any questions you may have regarding the new system. If a payment dispute arises, call our law offices today at 314-322-8515.

 

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