[Blindtlk] Social Security payments go digital

[Steven Johnson]

Sherri, this is true.  In fact, this is one money savings effort that SSA is
implementing to save costs.  Beneficiaries were encouraged in the past, but
now, beginning this spring, a beneficiary has no option as paper checks will
no longer be issues.  Also, as part of their cost-savings plans, most SSA
offices have reduced their office hours.

Steve


-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Sherri
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2013 6:30 AM
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Blindtlk] Social Security payments go digital

I got this from Dear Abby, of all places, and am posting it just in case any
of you receive your checks as paper checks.

Sherri

      BENEFITS PAYMENTS GO DIGITAL TO SAVE MONEY, IMPROVE SAFETY
      DEAR ABBY: Please help me spread an important message to people who
receive Social Security or other federal benefits each month via one of the
estimated 5.4 million paper checks each month. Starting March 1, 2013, the
Treasury Department is requiring all Social Security, VA, SSI and other
federal beneficiaries receive their benefits by electronic payment. Senior
citizens and other federal beneficiaries may choose either direct deposit or
the Treasury-recommended Direct Express Debit MasterCard.
      This new payment method is not optional. It is the law. Besides saving
taxpayers money, switching to electronic payments provides a safer, more
convenient and cost-effective way for people to get their federal benefits
than paper checks.

      Individuals who need assistance in switching to electronic payment can
call the Treasury's secure Go Direct Call Center at 800-333-1795. Our agents
are specially trained to answer questions and complete the switch-over
process in less than 10 minutes.

      We urge people not to wait until the last minute to make this
important change. Thank you for your help, Abby. -- WALT HENDERSON, GO
DIRECT CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR

      DEAR MR. HENDERSON: You have come to the right place. Dear Abby
readers are the most caring and generous people in the world, and I know
they will be glad to help us spread the word.

      Readers, if you or people you care about will be affected by this
massive change in the way benefits are being distributed, please clip or
copy this column and be sure those people are informed. And when you do,
tell them that when they make the call, they must have either their most
recent benefit check on hand, or know their 12-digit federal benefit check
number. To arrange for direct deposit, they will also need to know their
bank's or credit union's routing transit number and their account number.



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      DEAR ABBY: My husband passed away a year ago. Four days after his
funeral I rec

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