Tuesday, June 24, 2008

BUHAY AMERICA TIPS:
Receiving Social Security Benefits
Through Debit Cards

If you or someone you know are receiving Social Security benefits (including SSI), instead of waiting for your paper checks, you can get them monthly through a MasterCard debit card service called Direct Express. The government has made this service available to discourage the use of paper checks which are costly for both the government and the recipients who pay about $6 each time they cash their checks at cash-checking stores. Also, with this service, you don't have to worry about lost or stolen mail or postal delays.

Applying for a card is free, and you also get one free ATM withdrawal per month. Cardholders can also get free cash back with purchases at retail locations, or free cash withdrawals through bank or credit union tellers.

ATM owner surcharges may apply at ATMs outside the Direct Express network. After the first free withdrawal, you will be charged 90 cents per transaction thereafter.
For more info, go to this government website. To apply online, click here, and to sign up by mail, click here.
*Ignore the "Click on..." sign on the photo. That link won't work for this blog.

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