Dallas Social Security Disability Attorney: Understanding The Direct Express Debit MasterCard

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is going paperless when it comes to Social Security disability checks and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks. The SSA hopes that making the change to electronic payments will save millions of tax dollars while also significantly cutting down on the number of stolen and lost checks.

Social Security disability recipients are already being asked to make the switch – but they have two options to choose from: direct deposits into a bank account or a Direct Express debit card.

How does the Direct Express debit card work? 
 
Each month, your Social Security disability money will be directly and immediately put onto your debit card – you do not need a bank account or credit union account at all. The card then works like any MasterCard: you may purchase items directly with the card or get cash from the card from any MasterCard ATM. In addition, you can use your Direct Express card to pay bills online, pay bills over the phone, or purchase items online.

How do I get a Direct Express debit card? 

You can request a card by calling Direct Express customer service or the SSA. After requesting a card, you will have to activate it and select a PIN number. If you do not switch over to electronic payments within the next year, you will automatically be assigned a Direct Express card.

Can a representative payee get a Direct Express card?

Yes, you may request a Direct Express card or have the disability money deposited into a bank account. If you opt for the debit card, your name, not the name of the Social Security recipient, will appear on the card. If you are the representative payee for more than one person, you can either use one card or request multiple cards.

Are there any fees?  
 
Signing up for the card is free, but there are fees in some circumstances. After your first ATM withdrawal of the month, there is a small fee for using an ATM (plus any fees the ATM owner charges). There are also fees for using your card abroad and replacing a lost card more than once per year.

Texas disability benefits lawyer
 
Do you need assistance with your disability benefits or disability claim? Contact a Dallas Social Security disability attorney at Morgan & Weisbrod today at (800) 800-6353 to talk to someone who can help.

by Paul B. Burkhalter
Managing Partner of Morgan & Weisbrod, Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.

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