Farewell to fixed payments – new government statement on Social Security raises concern among millions of beneficiaries
Confirmed – Saharan dust cloud reaches U.S. and could directly influence hurricanes
Goodbye to US GPS – China breaks its dependence after 20 years and its BeiDou system has already conquered 140 countries
How are you with technology? Well, hurry up because this year,
millions of beneficiaries of the Social Security Administration (SSA)
will stop receiving their monthly payments in physical checks and will send them all electronically, yes, yes, get used to it because from now on they are looking for efficiency and security for more than 70 million people across the country. But… how will this new system work? And if you don’t know how to use the app?
The end of physical checks from the SSA
The SSA will no longer send paper checks,
although most people still use them (especially older adults who we know are not particularly good with technology). But are checks the best option? We don’t think so… If we consider how easy it is to lose them, have them stolen or misplaced, it’s clear this can’t be the best option.
Why change now?
First, they seek to reduce shipping costs, increase security and… prevent them from being lost. Also, although we might not like the option, electronic payments arrive much faster and are much safer, so besides taking less time to arrive, they will avoid third-party tampering.
How electronic payment will work
It will start from September 30 of this same year, payments will be deposited directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts or into prepaid debit cards specially designed for this purpose. This card, called Direct Express, is available for those who do not have a bank account, so there’s nothing to worry about.
What is the Direct Express card
This card works like any bank card, and provides access to your pension funds, it does not require a minimum balance and can be used to make purchases, withdraw money from ATMs and pay bills. Of course, for all people who do not have a bank account, this card is a practical and free solution.
What beneficiaries need to do
If you still receive paper checks, it is essential that you update your banking information or request the Direct Express card as soon as possible. The SSA has already begun sending notifications and letters to guide beneficiaries on how to make the change, don’t fall behind!
And if you don’t adapt?
Renew or die… from the deadline date, no more physical checks will be issued. What does this mean? Well, that those who do not update their information run the risk of suffering delays in their payments or complications to access their money… Better update your information, request your card and avoid a headache.
And if I don’t understand it?
Don’t worry! As always, the SSA offers online resources and phone assistance to guide beneficiaries who have more trouble completing the update process, there’s nothing to worry about.
Also, there are local programs that provide help to older people or those with technological difficulties to adapt to this change, all good then, right?!
The transition cannot be ignored, if the system can be improved and made more efficient and secure, it makes sense that they will try to do it, even if that means that, maybe, there are some people who are left behind for not knowing how to use technology or not having access to it. That’s why it’s vital that the SSA has an alternative to help these people who have never before stepped away from their checks.
But, as everything comes to an end, SSA checks too, and they are going to mark a big change in the way beneficiaries receive their payments. So, if you still haven’t updated your information… what are you waiting for? Don’t you want to receive your payment this month?
