Ways to Receive your SSDI or SSI Benefits Quickly
The U.S. Department of the Treasury suggests two safer, easier alternatives to paper checks:
Electronic payments eliminate the risk of lost or stolen checks. Plus, money is available on payment day each month, so there's no need to wait for the mail to arrive or to make special trip to cash or deposit a check.
1. Direct Deposit: The Go Direct campaign gives people with bank accounts a free, easy way to switch from paper checks to direct deposit, and have their payments automatically deposited into a checking or savings account each month http://www.GoDirect.org .
2. Direct Express: Debit MasterCard card. People who don't have bank accounts can sign up for a prepaid debit card, called the Direct Express card, which is issued by Treasury's financial agent. Details about features and fees for optional services can be found at www.USDirectExpress.com
In 2009, more than 440,000 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissued.Despite the risks, too many people with disabilities and their caregivers continue to receive their federal benefits by paper check.