GoDirect website will assist in transfer to electronic-only public benefits payments

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced that all federal benefits will be paid electronically. New enrollees and individuals receiving benefits must select an electronic payment method (direct deposit or prepaid debit card) by March 1, 2013.

Programs affected by the change include SSA, SSI, SSDI and VA benefits. Note: This rule does not affect state-issued benefits such as WIC and SNAP food benefits, or child support.

*    People who do not choose an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013, or at the time they apply for federal benefits, will receive payments via the Direct Express^® card so they will not experience any interruption in payment.

*    People already receiving benefit payments electronically will continue to receive payment as usual on their payment date and do not need to take further action.

Created by the Treasury Department, the Go Direct^® public education campaign enlists the support of more than 1,800 local, national and regional partner organizations to spread the word about the many benefits of direct deposit and the Direct Express^® Debit MasterCard^® card. Partners include banks, credit unions, social service agencies and community-based groups.

For more information about the Go Direct Campaign, visit www.GoDirect.org.