Social Security Pre Paid Debit Card

Social Security recipients in 10 states can now get their monthly benefits loaded onto a pre-paid debit card, a change that will bring convenience -- but possibly new headaches, as well.

Previously, seniors could only get their money as paper checks mailed to their home or wired to their bank accounts via direct deposit

Administered by Comerica Bank, the debit card will initially be available to people getting Social Security and Supplemental Security Income checks in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. It's expected to be rolled out across the country in coming months.

Known as the Direct Express Debit MasterCard, the new Social Security debit cards will initially be targeted at Social Security users without bank accounts (although it's assumed that if the program is successful and a money saver for the government, it will be expanded beyond this group to all Social Security users.) These seniors now face high check cashing fees, as well as the risk that their monthly check could be lost or stolen. Presumably, a debit card pre-loaded with their benefits would alleviate those problems.

But the cards come with not-so-obvious fees that may trip up first-time users, especially seniors who aren't familiar with debit cards or bank accounts. Here's what users should know before they sign up for the debit card:

Frequent trips to the ATM will add up: Direct Express users will be entitled to one free cash advance at a network ATM a month, and then will be hit with a 90 cent fee per cash advance after that (plus additional out of network ATM fees).
Monthly paper statements will cost another 75 cents a month.
Direct Express online bill pay is 50 cents per bill.
There are additional fees for using the card for purchases outside the U.S., cash advances out of the country, and card replacements.
For a detailed breakdown of free services and fees associated with the card (or to sign up,) go to the Direct Express Web site.
At this point, if your parents are getting their checks via direct deposit, they should probably stick with that and not switch over to the debit cards because of the fees and hassles. But for people who wait for the postman to deliver their monthly check, the new debit card may be a better option.

What about your parents? Would they be interested in this kind of debit card? Would you feel secure with your parent using a debit card for their monthly expenses?

Image courtesy of Comerica Direct Express

Caring Currents

Medicare shows millions Social Security Numbers

“Many individuals carry their Medicare cards in their wallets or purses and could become victims of identity theft should dishonest individuals steal such items or lift their Medicare number from a beneficiary card or medical document,” Mr. O’Carroll said.

Other federal agencies are taking steps to remove Social Security numbers from identification cards. The Department of Veterans Affairs said that new identification cards issued to veterans generally did not display Social Security numbers.

McFadden Manor update

REPORT AND SUGGESTION FOR MSAC PARTICIPATION IN FUTURE EFFORTS McFadden Manor
City votes to establish Geriatric Authority for McFadden (as suggested by chapter)
Board
City Council President Gary Christenson\ Councilor at large Gregory Lucy/ a Geriatric Doctor
SUGGESTION (get business men involved thru chamber of commerce Malden Social Services agencies Board of Health.
need people for fund raising and support from local banks and businesses. Non profits have the expertise to write grants. The Malden Redevelopment has Federal Funds to distribute.)
Need Approval of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate to get a legislative act signed into law by the Governor.
This years session ends July31,2008
(Needs a Political Action Group like MSAC (metro north chapter members) to lobby as a unit at both the city hall but now primarily at the state house with as many as the legislators (who need to be make aware of the issues) who will support our local state legislators. The organization "Friends of McFadden Manor should become an affiliate with our State organization and recruit members to join metro north chapter for a united support in this (PAC)
July 30th the end of the Legislative session
Finally need support of all local government and taxpayers for pressure on STATE BOARD OF
HEALTH FOR TRANSFER NURSING HOME LICENSE.
For Information
The House and Senate will continue to meet in informal session after 31st of July.
During informal sessions unanimous consent is needed to advance legislation and the objections of a single lawmaker can stop a bill in tracks.
GET POLITICAL
REQUEST The Malden City Council prepare a resolution of support to send to the State and read at a
public council meeting in support of the NEW GERIATRIC AUTHORITY.




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Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior
349 Pleasant Street
Malden, Ma 02148
781 324 8076