How to Get and Use the Social Security Direct Express Card

Get and Use the New Social Security Direct Express Card

The Social Security Direct Express card is for anyone that collects Social Security pr SSI benefits. The card looks like a debit card from a bank and it allows you to access your monthly benefits without the hassle of a monthly check in the mail. It also replaces direct bank deposit of your SS or SSI payment as the Direct Express card is issued by a bank that accesses your monthly benefit through the Department of Treasury. This card is optional, but may work well for those who don't want to deal with a paper check or may not have access to a computer to track bank transactions.

Things You'll Need

• Computer or phone

Instructions

1. Order the card by phone [phone] or sign up online through the link in the References section. Once you have done this, the bank will contact the Social Security Administration to link your card. You do not need a bank account to get the card because the card only holds your exact benefit amount.

2. Activate your card after it comes in the mail. You will also choose a secure PIN number for it, which you will need to memorize. Avoid choosing a PIN that is obvious or easy like a birth date or something that others may know about you. Make sure to record this PIN number and keep it in a safe place in case you forget it.

3. Get Cash with Your Card. Now that you have your card you may want to withdraw cash from an ATM machine in the Direct Express card network. Call 1-800-741-1115 or go online to the link in the References section and use the ATM Locator to find the nearest one. One free cash withdrawal is allowed per month and anything after that is 90 cents each plus a surcharge fee if the ATM is not in the card network. If you do not use the once a month allowance it will carry over to the next month. You can also withdraw cash for free by going to any bank or credit union that displays the MasterCard logo and asking the teller to help you. Get cash back with purchases for free also if the store allows without charging a fee.

4. Check your balances on the Direct Express card for free online at the address provided in this article or by calling the number on it. Request a monthly statement if you wish but it does cost 75 cents per month. Remember that this is your monthly benefit amount and no more can be added to it or spent, so take note of this.

5. Pay any bills online for a fee of 50 cents per bill wherever MasterCard is accepted or purchase money orders from the U.S. Postal Service by using the Direct Express card.

Tips & Warnings

• Any other questions may be answered by going to the website provided or calling the phone number given.

References

• DirectExpress: Benefits Card