Published: September 07, 2009 09:34 pm         

Social Security: Put signing up for Direct Deposit at the top of ‘to do’ list

TERRE HAUTE — Hurricane season is here for many parts of the country. In other areas of the nation, it’s wildfire season, while in the Midwest, the threat of severe weather, tornados and floods exist throughout most of the year. As you prepare for the threat of a natural disaster in your community, put signing up for Direct Deposit at the top of your “to do” list. Doing so can eliminate the delay or non-delivery of your monthly payment if a disaster forces you from your home.

For years, Direct Deposit has been the safest, fastest and easiest way for people to receive their payments — and it still is the best way to get benefit payments for people who have a bank account. Here’s why.

Direct Deposit is safe. Your money is deposited directly into your account at your bank or other financial institution. Because it’s transferred electronically, there’s never a risk of your check being lost or stolen.

Direct Deposit is quick. You’ll get your payment faster when it’s deposited directly into your bank account. Your money is immediately available to you once it’s deposited.

Direct Deposit is convenient. No more standing in line at the bank to cash your check, or leaving your house when the weather is bad. It’s nice to know your payment is safely in your bank account instead of the mailbox when you’re out of town or, worse, displaced from your home by a disaster.

For those who don’t have a bank account, there’s Direct Express. With Direct Express, we automatically deposit benefit payments to a person’s Direct Express card account. The card can be used to make purchases, pay bills or get cash at thousands of locations, and most services are free. To learn more or to sign up for Direct Express, visit www.fms.treas.gov/directexpresscard.

To learn more about Direct Deposit of your benefit payments, and to sign up, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit. You also can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

To learn more information about Direct Express, visit www.fms.treas.gov/directexpresscard.

In the unfortunate event that you are displaced by a natural disaster, your benefits do not have to be. Your payments will be safe and secure, and arrive on time to your account with Direct Deposit or Direct Express.