Paper checks to be retired

WESTSIDE — Announcement was made last Wednesday that the U.S. Department of the Treasury is retiring the paper Social Security checks for millions of baby boomers and others applying for federal benefits, a move that will save taxpayers $1 billion over the next 10 years.

Beginning May 1, 2011, anyone newly applying for Social Security, Veterans Affairs or other federal benefits will need to choose an electronic payment method - paper checks will no longer be an option.

People currently receiving their federal benefits by paper check must switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013.

The Treasury Department published a final rule in December, 2010, to gradually eliminate paper checks for federal benefit payments. In addition to the taxpayer savings, electronic payments are safer and more convenient than paper checks. Last year alone more than 540,000 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) paper checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be replaced.

People newly applying for federal benefits now must choose an electronic payment option at the time they sign up for their benefits. If they wish to deposit their money into a bank or credit union account, they will want to have the following information on hand at the time they apply for benefits:

◊Financial institution’s routing transfer number (often found on a personal check)

◊Account type - checking or saving

◊Account number (often found on a personal check)

Those who prefer receiving their payments on a prepaid debit card or who do not have an account at a financial institution can receive a Direct Express Debit MasterCard card. For more information, visit GoDirect.org.

Current check recipients must switch to electronic payments before March 1, 2013. Switching from checks to direct deposit is fast, easy and free at www.GoDirect.org, by calling the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or by speaking with a bank or credit union representative.

Anyone already receiving federal benefit payments electronically will continue to receive their money as usual on their payment day. No action is required.