Brindisi Reminds Residents Who Receive Federal Benefit Checks to Sign Up for Direct Deposit before March 1st

Federal plan to go paperless is designed to save $1 billion, but many people still have not signed up for direct deposit

January 25, 2013

Utica – Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica) announced today his new public awareness campaign aimed at educating residents across his Assembly district about the fast-approaching federal deadline to sign up for direct deposit of federal benefits, like Social Security.

Brindisi is hoping to help remind residents of the U.S. Treasury Department’s mandated plan to phase out paper benefit checks, all in an effort to save taxpayers about $1 billion over the next ten years in paper and mailing costs. The Treasury is urging Americans to make the switch because it’s the law, not merely a convenient option being made available. The federal government formally adopted this new rule two years ago, and it becomes law on March 1, 2013.

Brindisi said it is important for anyone who receives a federal benefit check, like social security, to make sure they’re ready for the change because a delay in an earned benefit could mean a delay in daily essentials.

“I want to do my part to make sure residents are not only aware of this change but ready for it, too,” Brindisi said. “Moreover, I’ve talked with federal officials and getting direct deposit is fairly easy. People do not have to get on the internet or use a computer or even purchase one,” he said.

For people who do not have a bank account, there is a prepaid debit card called ‘Direct Express Debit Mastercard.’ Enrollees receive the card in the mail and payments are automatically credited each month. There are no sign up fees for this card, Brindisi said, but he does caution residents who might overdraft funds about a fee.

Brindisi notes that in a small number of cases, the government will allow people to continue receiving paper checks. For area residents who feel like this is their only option, they can contact Brindisi.

“Beginning today, my office is prepared and ready to work with residents who are not yet ready for this change in federal benefit payments,” he said. “Whether it is working with the Treasury Department to get someone signed up for direct deposit, or helping navigate the waiver process, I am urging residents to contact my Utica District Office with their questions or concerns as it relates to federal benefits they may presently receive by paper check.”

Brindisi’s Utica Office at 207 Genesee Street, Room 401, has staff ready and able to assist on this phase out of paper payments and can be reached at (315) 732-1055.

Individuals with computer access can also log onto GoDirect.org for more information.

“Earned benefits are deserved benefits – no matter how you deliver them,” Brindisi said. “I’m going to do all I can to make sure these dollars keep coming to those who rely upon them.”

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