[PL-Directors] Information to Share with Patrons: Go Direct Campaign, U.S. Department of Treasury - Social Security Checks

[Darci Hanning]

Greetings everyone!

My apologies if you receive this twice, forwarding on behalf of the U.S. Department of Treasury:

The U.S. Department of the Treasury needs your library's help in getting out the word on changes to Federal Benefit Checks.  Everyone who receives a paper check for Social Security or other federal benefit payments is required by law to switch to an electronic payment by March 1, 2013.  This is your last chance to make one final push to help people comply with this law before time runs out.

It's fast, free and easy for federal benefit check recipients to sign up for direct deposit or the Direct Express(r) Debit MasterCard(r) card by calling the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795 Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

Urge senior citizens, people with disabilities and other federal benefit check recipients to call now to avoid delays near the deadline. For direct deposit, they can also sign up online at www.GoDirect.org<http://www.GoDirect.org> or by visiting their local bank or credit union.

Get Involved - Spread the Word

Do not miss this final opportunity to help the people you serve make the switch today. The Treasury Department's Go Direct(r) campaign offers free materials to make it easy for your library to help. Here's what you can do:


  *   Display free Go Direct campaign and Direct Express(r) card materials in your lobby - order free materials through the Go Direct website at: http://godirect.org/partners/order-materials/

*         Link to www.GoDirect.org<http://www.GoDirect.org/> from your website.

*         Share the Go Direct Public Service Announcement<http://godirect.org/media/videos/time-to-switch-psa/> and educational videos and fliers<http://www.godirect.org/partners/toolkits/community/educational-videos-fliers/> to help people understand why electronic payments are safer than paper checks and how to keep their money safe.

*         Embed the Go Direct "Time Is Running Out" widget<http://godirect.org/Countdown-Widget/> on your website.

*         Encourage the people you serve who currently get federal benefit checks to make the switch to electronic payments today.



Inform People of their Options
The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two electronic payments options:


*         Direct deposit. People with checking or savings accounts can sign up to get their money by direct deposit. Their federal benefit payment will go straight into their account on payment day each month. On time, every time.



*         Direct Express(r) card. Those who don't have a bank account or prefer a prepaid debit card should switch to the Direct Express(r) card. Money will be posted to the card account on payment day each month. There's no need to wait for the mail or to make a special trip to cash a check. Cardholders can make purchases and get cash back with purchases at no charge anywhere Debit MasterCard(r) is accepted. There are no sign-up fees, overdraft fees or monthly fees. Some fees for optional services may apply. For information on card fees and features, visit www.GoDirect.org<http://www.GoDirect.org>.

People who do not choose an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013, may be issued a Direct Express(r) card.

Promote the Safety Benefits of Electronic Payments
Electronic payments are safer than paper checks. In fact, people are 125 times more likely to have a problem with a paper check than with an electronic payment. Even though electronic payments are safer, it's important that people take steps to keep their money safe. Once people have made the switch, share these three tips recommended by the Treasury Department:


*         Be careful of anyone who calls, texts or emails asking for personal information.

*         Protect personal information. Do not give out your Social Security number or account information to anyone unless you are the one who has contacted them.

*         Watch your bank or credit union account or Direct Express(r) card account often to make sure that all account activity is yours.

The Treasury Department's Go Direct(r) campaign provides free materials to help you share this important information in your library outlets. For more details or to order free materials, contact Michelle Kloempken, your campaign representative, at 312-988-2035, mkloempken at webershandwick.com<blocked::mailto:mkloempken at webershandwick.com> OR visit http://www.godirect.org/partners/order-materials/<blocked::http://www.godirect.org/partners/order-materials/>.



Cheers,
Darci
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Darci Hanning * Technology Development Consultant * Library Development Services
Oregon State Library, 250 Winter St. NE, Salem, OR  97301
503-378-2527 darci.hanning at state.or.us<mailto:darci.hanning at state.or.us>

 Ask me about Plinkit! http://www.plinkit.org/ http://oregon.plinkit.org<http://oregon.plinkit.org/>

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