If you get federal benefit payments by paper checks, you should know that you are required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to switch to an electronic payment method. By getting your money electronically, you will help save taxpayers millions of dollars each year. You must make the switch by March 1, 2013, but you don’t have to wait for the deadline. The winter months are the perfect time to switch and take advantage of the reliability and ease of electronic payments. Ice, snow, freezing rain and subzero temperatures can leave you trapped in your home and temporarily halt important services like mail delivery. When this happens, you can be stuck without access to your money at a time when you need it most. Switching to electronic payments is a simple step you can take to ensure your money is on time, every time, no matter what winter brings. The Treasury Department recommends two electronic payment options: direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card account. Switch now. It’s easy:
- Go to www.GoDirect.org
- Call (800) 333-1795
- Visit your federal benefit agency office
- Sign up at your local bank or credit union (direct deposit only)
More details, including an instructional video on how to sign up for electronic payments, can be found at www.GoDirect.org. Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service
