Social Security Disability Insurance Recipients Need Better Understanding of Pros and Cons of New Debit Card, Allsup Says
Social Security Disability Insurance Recipients Need Better Understanding of Pros and Cons of New Debit Card, Allsup Says
Belleville, IL (Vocus) March 27, 2008
Starting next month Social Security Disability Insurance recipients in some states will have the option of receiving their benefit payments electronically on a debit card, rather than via a paper check. However, eligible individuals — many of whom are “unbanked” — should have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of opting for the debit card, particularly the financial ramifications, according to Allsup (http://www.allsup.com), which represents tens of thousands of people in the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process each year. It also offers services that support the financial and health well-being of individuals with disabilities.
“Before signing on to or totally dismissing the idea of the debit card program, potential cardholders should look at how they are likely to use a card,” said Paul Gada, personal financial planning director of the Allsup Disability Life Planning Center. “For some, the card may make sense. For others, they may realize after looking at their spending habits that getting a bank account may really be the best option. And there will be others that will always operate with cash only, regardless of the drawbacks it presents.”
The debit card program, called Direct Express, is run by the U.S. Treasury Department through Comerica Bank with the intent to encourage Social Security recipients who do not have a bank account to elect to have their benefits loaded electronically onto a debit card. The Direct Express program will be introduced this spring in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas before being phased in across the nation during the summer.
The cost savings for the government could be significant, based on estimates from the Treasury’s Financial Management Service. For example, it cost 89 cents for the government to issue a paper check in 2006 compared with 9 cents to process an electronic payment. As a result, if the 4 million recipients of Social Security, SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who don’t have bank accounts were to sign up for the debit card, the savings could be $ 44 million annually.
Having monthly benefits electronically deposited onto debit cards also has its advantages for recipients, most notably convenience and security. In the case of individuals with disabilities who may have limited mobility, for example, having the debit card would mean that they would not have to make a special trip to cash their SSDI award or be concerned if they were hospitalized or otherwise unable to retrieve their benefit payment when it was due to arrive. Additionally, funds on the card are FDIC insured, just like money in a bank account, so the money is fully protected if the card is lost or stolen; though a card replacement fee will be assessed the second time a card needs to be replaced in any given year.
Evaluating the Costs
While cost savings for the government — and taxpayers — are obvious, the cost savings may not be as clear-cut for debit-card recipients. They might end up paying even more in transaction fees than the average $ 6 to have a paper check cashed, especially if they don’t pay attention to how they’re using the debit card.
Among the questions Gada recommends potential cardholders consider before signing up for a debit card include:
How accessible to you is an ATM in the Comerica network?
How often would you make ATM withdrawals and would those ATM withdrawals be at in- or out-of-network ATMs?
How often would you use the electronic bill payment feature?
Will the companies you are paying electronically charge you a fee for electronic payment?
Is there a bank in your area that could provide you with a more cost-effective solution for the features you want, such as ATM, electronic bill pay or direct debit?
If you are concerned about opening a bank account, why is that and have you spoken with a local bank to see if they can help alleviate your concerns?
Social Security recipients participating in the Direct Express program are allowed one free ATM cash withdrawal per month from a designated ATM. They are assessed a 90-cent fee for each additional ATM withdrawal. Cardholders may be charged an additional “surcharge fee” by ATM owners outside of the Comerica Bank network, which issues the debit cards. Additionally, program participants have access to online bill payment for a fee of 50 cents per online bill payment and can receive a paper statement for a 75-cent monthly fee.
Gada advises potential cardholders to consider how they would use the debit card, looking at the trade-off between potential costs and benefits. For example, rather than having to pay for a cashier check or carry large amounts of cash and pay bills in person, incurring a small transaction fee for electronic bill payment may be worth it, particularly for individuals who have a difficult time getting around. However, he noted, individuals should check to see if the organization they are paying will assess an additional charge for accepting electronic bill payment.
On the other hand, individuals who are going to head for an ATM every time they need cash will find transaction fees quickly adding up to little added value.
“In these cases, it’s time to seriously consider what is preventing you from getting an account at your local bank, because that probably would be your best option,” said Gada. “Many banks offer no minimum balance checking accounts where you can have your Social Security benefits direct deposited and electronically pay bills or use their ATMs at no additional charge.”
Overcoming Banking Barriers
One of the reasons that some Social Security recipients continue to insist on paper checks is the fear that their bank accounts could be attached by creditors. However, under federal law, Social Security benefit payments are protected from attachment, meaning creditors do not have the right to take these funds from a recipient’s bank account. The same rules will apply to funds placed on Direct Express debit cards. There are a few explicit exceptions to the rules guarding against attachment of Social Security benefits. For example, Social Security funds can be taken to pay child support or alimony payments the individual owes.
“At any given time, there are likely millions of dollars in Social Security payments that are at risk because people on fixed incomes got into debt or are having a dispute with a creditor,” said Gada. “Unfortunately, they are acting on inaccurate information that has them afraid to put their money into bank accounts where it can be protected and they can be afforded other benefits of being banked.”
About Allsup:
Allsup is the nation’s premier Social Security Disability Insurance representation company. Since 1984, Allsup has helped more than 100,000 people with disabilities receive their entitled disability benefits. Today, the company has 500 professionals focused on helping individuals and their family’s nationwide gain the financial and health benefits they deserve. For more information, visit Allsup’s Web site at http://www.allsup.com.
Contact:
Dan Allsup
Allsup
(800) 854-1418 ext 5760
Mary Jung
(773) 429-0940
###
Attachments
©Copyright 1997-2010, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Categories: Replacement social security card Tags: Allsup, Better, Card, Cons, Debit, Disability., Insurance, Need, Pros, Recipients, says, Security, Social, Understanding
Too Young to Care About Social Security? Think Again!
Too Young to Care About Social Security? Think Again!
Los Angeles, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) March 08, 2011
This Thursday, March 10, 2011, at 1pm PST / 3pm EST, college students and young professionals will have the opportunity to attend an online webinar hosted by the Social Security Administration. Disability Group Inc., one of the nation’s leading Social Security Disability law firms, would like to encourage all young adults preparing to enter the workforce to attend remotely.
The Social Security Administration’s latest webinar is called “Social Security 101: What You Need To Know,” and all the information is available on the SSA’s website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/webinars. The website indicates that the interactive broadcast will educate young adults about the importance of planning and saving for retirement, as well as address questions such as “what is the FICA tax?” and “why is Social Security relevant to young people?” According to Michael Webb, an SSA spokesperson for the Seattle field office, the broadcast will also touch upon questions related to disability benefits.
Patrick Ryan, Director of Operations for Disability Group Inc., feels that it’s important for Americans of all ages to know about Social Security Disability benefits. “Social Security is one of the most widely debated topics in our national political arena,” says Ryan. “Understanding how changes to this system affect your friends, family and yourself is imperative to understanding the context of our current political discourse. The earlier you start learning about the benefits you could someday receive, the better! ”
Ryan further states that young adults who take advantage of the opportunities and resources made available to them by the Social Security Administration will be better prepared to understand the ramifications of decision made by current elected officials. Social Security is currently funded through the year 2037, according to the US World & News Report. This means that if the retirement age remains at 67 years old for Americans born after 1960, benefits for those born after 1970 are as yet undetermined, and the situation remains on the Congressional negotiating table, reports Reuters.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 1.6 million students are expected to graduate with a four-year degree in 2011. The information that the Social Security Administration will offer for free via their website on Thursday may help arm these new workers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their future.
To submit questions in advance for “Social Security 101: What You Need To Know,” visit http://www.ssa.gov/survey/SocialSecurity101Questions.htm. To RSVP for this webinar, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/survey/SocialSecurity101RSVP.htm.
Disability Group Inc was founded on the principles of dignity and respect. We are a national law firm focused exclusively on helping people receive the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve. For more information about Social Security, or to see if you qualify for benefits, visit us at http://www.socialsecuritylaw.com
###
©Copyright 1997-
, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
To amend title II of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for enhanced retirement security in the form of an Individual Social Security Investment Program.
To amend title II of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for enhanced retirement security in the form of an Individual Social Security Investment Program.
The BiblioGov Project is an effort to expand awareness of the public documents and records of the U.S. Government via print publications. In broadening the public understanding of government and its work, an enlightened democracy can grow and prosper. Ranging from historic Congressional Bills to the most recent Budget of the United States Government, the BiblioGov Project spans a wealth of government information. These works are now made available through an environmentally friendly, print-on
List Price: $ 17.75
Price: $ 13.55
Categories: Social security act Tags: 1986, amend, Code, enhanced, Form, Individual, Internal, Investment, Program, Provide, Retirement, REVENUE, Security, Social, title
Social Security Act, ch. 531, 49 Stat
SSI / Social Security Act, ch. 531, 49 Stat. ….. The COLAs actually caused benefits to increase at twice the rate of inflation
Categories: Social security act Tags: 531, Security, Social, Stat
How to Access Social Security Death Records
How to Access Social Security Death Records
There are many reasons why you would want to search social security death records, examples are, if you’ve been looking for lost friend you are no more in contact with. You could be curious about knowing your family tree, learning more about your family history and background.
With the internet, searching for social security records and files online has become easier and faster. When you search for an individual’s social security death records, the data you will retrieve consists of the social security number of the individual, name, where he/she lived, the zip code where their certificate was issued, location they were buried, location and place of funeral, and their date of birth.
You can also find information about an individual’s surviving descendants, including their contact details, occupation and their current dwelling city/state.
Looking up social security death records is a way of tracking where your ancestors died, when they died, and also where they were buried. Knowing your genealogy and your roots gives you a sense of belonging and fulfillment. Through social security death records, you can find a distant ancestor who fought in great wars. The findings of the story behind his life can be very interesting, especially when you simply get such valuable information from the comfort of your home, through the use of the internet.
Online public records websites provides valuable information, which can bring together broken pieces of your life and this information also answer bugging questions within your mind, that you have carried with you over the years. You can enjoy the services of these websites by either paying for each time you intend to lookup their records, or you subscribe to membership deal where you have unlimited access to lookup their records.
The subscription fee usually cost some dollars, usually underneath , with this information you get access to priceless information regarding your life. Imagine the sense of fulfillment and wholeness you stand to experience from knowing that lost part of you.
My advice..Don’t get scammed by public records search directories that don’t deliver.Government Resources is the only service we have used and recommend. We have tested government resources and done a review on it. You can check out the government resources review at this link – http://bestpublicrecordstracercom.com/government-resources-review-search-public-records-within-minutes You will be glad you did.
Article from articlesbase.com
National Disability Lawyer Gets 2010 Social Security Website Upgrade
National Disability Lawyer Gets 2010 Social Security Website Upgrade
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 27, 2009
As disability law firms throughout the country prepare for 2010 Social Security Disability application cases, the disability lawyers at Berry & Associates have gotten a head start with an upgrade to their website, nationaldisabilitylawyer.com. Leaders in helping disabled individuals receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and SSDI benefits, the legal experts at Berry & Associates have helped thousands of people get Social Security Disability benefits.
A Disability Law Website for 2010 and Beyond:
Content and usability enhancements to the website were focused around feedback from over two years of how actual visitors navigate through the disability application process. Particular attention was paid towards providing information and tips for the disability application, including the SSDI and 2010 SSI Disability application process.
“The upgrades to our Social Security Disability website will help speed up the communication process between the prospective client and an experienced disability lawyer,” explains Matt Berry, Founder and Principal of Berry and Associates. “The new upgrades will provide the public with more information about how to win disability benefits, including lawyer insight from how actual SSI disability appeal cases with complex medical conditions were won.”
Visitors to nationaldisabilitylawyer.com will now be able to submit information about their disability cases faster than ever before via a quick submit form. This form is expected to make the process of finding and hiring a disability lawyer faster and easier.
Contact Berry & Associates for 2010 Disability Application Questions:
Have questions about the 2010 disability application? Need an experienced disability lawyer for a SSDI or SSI Disability claim? Visit nationaldisabilitylawyer.com or call 1-800-507-4774.
About nationaldisabilitylawyer.com:
Nationaldisabilitylawyer.com is maintained by Berry & Associates. Berry and Associates Social Security Disability lawyers are attorneys that can help with SSDI, SSD and SSI Disability benefit claims. Learn what we do to help consumers fight for disability benefits by calling 1-800-507-4774, or visiting nationaldisabilitylawyer.com.
Media Contact:
TwentySix2 Marketing
Keith Hanks
404-541-9780
media(at)twentysix2(dot)com
###
Attachments
©Copyright 1997-
, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Categories: Social security website Tags: 2010, Disability., Gets, Lawyer, National, Security, Social, Upgrade, Website
The Social Security Death Index and the 9_11 Victims
New 911 Research Links: letsrollforums.com chriskendall1 | January 25, 2011 | 1 likes, 1 dislikes ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com Everyone I know who has passed away appears in the index, even people under age 65. Try it yourself. You can arbitrarily call up the reported deaths for any number of days to get an average. When I did a search on multiple random days for New York in the year 2001 the average was around 400. I know that a handful of 9/11 victims do appear in the index but why only so few. 3000 supposedly died and a majority must have resided in New York. This a glaring omission by anyone’s reckoning. Question: If the SSDI is so unreliable, as conspiracy deniers clam, why would genealogists and biographers use it as a tool? From Wikipedia: The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a database of death records created from the United States Social Security Administration’s Death Master File Extract. Most persons who have died since 1962 who had a Social Security Number (SSN) and whose death has been reported to the Social Security Administration are listed in the SSDI. For most years since 1973, the SSDI includes 93 percent to 96 percent of deaths of individuals aged 65 or older.[1] It contains the records of over 84 million people, and was last updated on September 10, 2009. Unlike the Death Master File, the SSDI is available free online from several genealogy websites. The SSDI is a popular tool for genealogists and biographers because it contains valuable …
Video Rating: 0 / 5
Social Security Disability Benefits – The process, denial and reconsiderations, and hearings information.
In this video I share information concerning applying for Social Security Disability Benefits and what to do if you are denied your claim. I share information about how to file for a reconsideration (if allowed in your state) or what to do if you have to have a hearing concerning your disability claim for a judge.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Categories: Social security disability Tags: Benefits, Denial, Disability., Hearings, Information, process, reconsiderations, Security, Social
Social Security Recepient Women’s tee Shirt in 6 Colors Small thru XXL
Social Security Recepient Women’s tee Shirt in 6 Colors Small thru XXL 100% Cotton Pick from the petite form-fitting babydoll style or standard regular fit womens style. Please refer to our sizing chart for measurements.This design also available as a men’s tee shirt, and a men’s hoodie and sweat shirt in our other amazon.com listings. [...]
Categories: Health Care, Social Security, Social Security News Tags: colors, Recepient, Security, shirt, Small, Social, thru, Women's
Categories: Health Care, Social Security, Social Security News Tags: funds, Pension, Security
