U.S. Treasury urges Social Security check recipients to prepare
for hurricane season by signing up for direct deposit
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- (May 17, 2006) -- The U.S. Department
of the Treasury's Go Direct campaign today urged
Social Security check recipients who live along the Gulf and Eastern seaboard
to switch to direct deposit. The recommendation, offered in light of last
year's devastating hurricanes, is aimed at ensuring citizens receive their
federal benefits without disruption.
Across the United States, about 12 million people continue to receive
their federal benefit payments by paper check -- putting them at risk in
the event of a natural disaster or a major life change.
In those critical days following Hurricane Katrina, the Treasury worked
with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to get displaced Social
Security and SSI recipients their payments as quickly as possible. But
those who already were using direct deposit had immediate access to their
funds from virtually anywhere, thanks to automated teller machines and
financial institution networks.
For Americans who receive Social Security, SSI and other federal benefits,
direct deposit is simply the best way to get payments. Direct deposit
is completely predictable and allows access to funds wherever people may
be staying. That means people don't have to wait for a check to arrive,
or worry if they can't be home -- for whatever reason -- when it does.
Just as important, direct deposit eliminates the risk of stolen checks
and forgeries and helps protect people from identity theft. Fraud and
identity theft are growing concerns for all Americans, including those
who receive federal benefits. In fact, a report released in January 2006
by the Federal Trade Commission shows significant increases in fraud (47
percent more) and identity theft (21 percent more) complaints reported
by consumers from 2003 to 2005.
For all these reasons, the Treasury is urging Social Security and SSI
check recipients in hurricane zones to sign up for direct deposit. It's
easy to sign up for direct deposit and only takes a few minutes. Social
Security and SSI check recipients can call the Go Direct helpline
at (800) 333-1795, sign up online at www.GoDirect.org,
or visit your local bank, credit union or Social Security Administration
office.
About Go Direct
Go Direct has established Web sites, www.GoDirect.org (English)
and www.DirectoASuCuenta.org (Spanish), where people and organizations
can learn more about the campaign and the benefits of direct deposit,
as well as sign up online for direct deposit of federal benefits. The
campaign also has toll-free numbers to help people sign up for direct
deposit right over the telephone: (800) 333-1795 (English) and (800) 333-1792
(Spanish).
# # # |
