Treasury Department urges direct deposit of federal benefit checks

For years, the Treasury Department has offered direct deposit to seniors, veterans and others who receive Social Security or other federal benefits. The process has been cost effective and in an effort to encourage those who still haven't taken advantage of the process, the Treasury’s GoDirect campaign promotes the positive and safe benefits of enrollment.

According to The New York Times, getting the word out through envelop stuffers, public service announcements, senior centers, banking institutions and other sources has been effective—at present, 93 percent of those receiving federal benefit checks are paid through direct deposit or debit card.

As Walt Henderson, director of the GoDirect campaign, said in the “New Old Age” blog, if a recipient doesn’t convert to the system by the March deadline, “we’re not going to interrupt their payments.” But holdouts will continue to receive letters from the Treasury Department to get on the electronic bandwagon.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.