Noteboom The Law Firm

Supplemental Security Income Debit Cards

It is the goal of the U.S. Treasury to stop mailing your Supplemental Security Income check to you each month. The department is in favor of instead distributing a prepaid debit card to every recipient. Though the approximately 500,000 current users of the card have positive things to say about the change, there are some pros and cons.

According to the Chicago Tribune, about 1.4 million beneficiaries of SSI and Social Security have complaints about their paper checks each year. They typically claim any of the following issues:

• Their check has been delayed
• Their check was lost in the mail
• It was stolen

Fortunately, the Direct Express debit card carries many of the same benefits of regular debit cards. Since it is incorporated into the Comerica Bank network, usage of the bank's ATMs is free, and users can also withdraw money from different banks for free once per month. Additional withdrawals typically cost just less than a dollar.

While such fees might upset some users, they can usually be circumvented. The card can be used at most grocery stores and retailers just like any other debit card, which means that customers can typically get cash back for free. Any bank, store, or ATM that accepts MasterCard also accepts the Direct Express debit card.

The card was developed mainly for those without bank accounts, as cashing a check without one is often inconvenient. This way, anyone can use their money right away, either by buying groceries with it or withdrawing cash to pay the bills. It also allows recipients of SSI and Social Security to purchase products online, which most people without a bank account or credit card could not previously do.

The development of the card could also cut down on paper, saving both money and the environment. Participation is currently voluntary, but the U.S. Treasury encourages its use. You can contact your lawyer if you have questions about signing up for this card.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.