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
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
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.
--
Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior
349 Pleasant Street
Malden, Ma 02148
781 324 8076
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.
--
Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior
349 Pleasant Street
Malden, Ma 02148
781 324 8076
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Veterans Issue of Court Cases Malden Ma
I Know that everyone has a slogan and everyone agrees that" we owe a lot to our veterans" is a great slogan.
We have a chance to consider an innovative program to help a segment of the population that remain neglected and improve the
"way of life" and the mission to provide services to some of our most vulnerable citizens HERE IN MALDEN
We have many non-profit organizations and grant programs that could be brought in to sponsor this program
We must have people in Malden who are in touch with those in our court system that could help with setting up a Malden and area towns
Any interest and suggestions?
Buffalo Veteran's Court, Only One In U.S.
Posted by: Josh Boose, Reporter
Created: 5/22/2008 8:34:14 PM, Updated: 5/23/2008 11:51:53 AM
http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=58115
There's a new program in Buffalo aimed at helping local veterans.
It's called Veteran's Court. It's a program designed by the Buffalo City Court to keep non-violent offenders, who are veterans, out of jail.
2 On Your Side's Josh Boose asked Judge Robert Russell, "Did you see veterans locally here, falling through the cracks in a sense?"
"We seemed to notice, here locally, we may have been working with veterans in a drug treatment court, we worked with a number of veterans in a mental health treatment track; however, when one veteran was working with one veteran, peer to peer, it appeared to increase our probability of success with that population," said Russell.
After a year of planning, Veteran's Court kicked-off in January.
Here's what happens: If a veteran is arrested for a non-violent offense, they can ask to enter Veteran's Court where they can get proper treatment, mentors who can help them and assistance with any military benefits from the Veteran's Hospital.
"It's a group that many may not have the same degree or understanding or appreciation for," said Russell.
There are some strict rules, if you're in the program you must remain sober, lead a law abiding life and find a stable job or schooling.
Judge Russell says there are no additional costs. The court expenses already exist and there are some volunteers.
"So there's no out of pocket expenses for the city or something like that," Boose asked Russell.
"No," the judge replied.
So far, Buffalo is the only city in the country to focus in on the needs of veterans like this.
Russell and Buffalo City Court Projects Director Hank Pirowski say it's something other cities are taking note of.
"Where do you see this a year from now," Boose asked Pirowski.
"One hundred vets without a problem in the next twelve to eighteen months and I hope to see 15, 20, 25 other veteran's courts open across the country," he replied.
Right now about 35 veterans are in the program. They are right in the middle of it now. Those who complete the program will graduate at the beginning of next year.
Veterans who need some help but are not violating the law in anyway can go through the program too. For more information about Veteran's Court, call 716-845-2697.
1053428523010486955.jpg
29K View Download
We have a chance to consider an innovative program to help a segment of the population that remain neglected and improve the
"way of life" and the mission to provide services to some of our most vulnerable citizens HERE IN MALDEN
We have many non-profit organizations and grant programs that could be brought in to sponsor this program
We must have people in Malden who are in touch with those in our court system that could help with setting up a Malden and area towns
Any interest and suggestions?
Buffalo Veteran's Court, Only One In U.S.
Posted by: Josh Boose, Reporter
Created: 5/22/2008 8:34:14 PM, Updated: 5/23/2008 11:51:53 AM
http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=58115
There's a new program in Buffalo aimed at helping local veterans.
It's called Veteran's Court. It's a program designed by the Buffalo City Court to keep non-violent offenders, who are veterans, out of jail.
2 On Your Side's Josh Boose asked Judge Robert Russell, "Did you see veterans locally here, falling through the cracks in a sense?"
"We seemed to notice, here locally, we may have been working with veterans in a drug treatment court, we worked with a number of veterans in a mental health treatment track; however, when one veteran was working with one veteran, peer to peer, it appeared to increase our probability of success with that population," said Russell.
After a year of planning, Veteran's Court kicked-off in January.
Here's what happens: If a veteran is arrested for a non-violent offense, they can ask to enter Veteran's Court where they can get proper treatment, mentors who can help them and assistance with any military benefits from the Veteran's Hospital.
"It's a group that many may not have the same degree or understanding or appreciation for," said Russell.
There are some strict rules, if you're in the program you must remain sober, lead a law abiding life and find a stable job or schooling.
Judge Russell says there are no additional costs. The court expenses already exist and there are some volunteers.
"So there's no out of pocket expenses for the city or something like that," Boose asked Russell.
"No," the judge replied.
So far, Buffalo is the only city in the country to focus in on the needs of veterans like this.
Russell and Buffalo City Court Projects Director Hank Pirowski say it's something other cities are taking note of.
"Where do you see this a year from now," Boose asked Pirowski.
"One hundred vets without a problem in the next twelve to eighteen months and I hope to see 15, 20, 25 other veteran's courts open across the country," he replied.
Right now about 35 veterans are in the program. They are right in the middle of it now. Those who complete the program will graduate at the beginning of next year.
Veterans who need some help but are not violating the law in anyway can go through the program too. For more information about Veteran's Court, call 716-845-2697.
1053428523010486955.jpg
29K View Download
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Social Security over Quarter Century
Lyric Wallwork Winik
Published: August 7, 2005
Social Security Turns 70
Social Security turns 70 this month. While both sides debate how to keep the program healthy, here are a few fascinating facts about it:
* A legal secretary was the first person to collect monthly benefits. She paid $24.75 in taxes to the program (1937-39) before retiring and got back more than $22,000, living until 1975.
* The tax rate for Social Security (including the employer contribution) initially was 2%; it’s now 12.4%. In 1937, only the first $3000 of income was taxed; today, it’s $90,000.
* Last year, 48 million Americans got Social Security. Until 2004, even felons on the run were allowed benefits by law. A 2001 audit showed that $31 million had been paid to the dead, mostly because of poor record-keeping.
* The average monthly retirement benefit is $955; 40% of Americans over 65 reportedly would be in poverty without Social Security. In general, to qualify, you must spend 10 years in the workforce and earn the minimum each year (now $3680).
Monday, April 21, 2008
VETERANS INFORMATION
Department veterans affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is convening a four-day meeting in Washington, D.C. in July, 2007 of mental health clinicians and researchers from across the country. VA will also hire 100 new employees to provide readjustment counseling at the Department's 209 community-based Vet Centers. VA also recently hired 100 new Vet Center employees, who are combat veterans, to conduct outreach to veterans of the Global War on Terror. VA operates one of the largest mental health programs in the country, with an annual budget of nearly $3 billion solely for mental health services. About 1 million of VA's patients have a mental health diagnosis.
The rate of community-acquired MRSA skin and soft tissue infections increased from 24.0 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to 164.2 cases per 100,000 in 2005. Risk factors for infection included incarceration, African-American race, and residence at a group of public housing complexes. Older age was also tied to a increased risk of infection.
1. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzew50b7/fairshakeforseniors/
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is convening a four-day meeting in Washington, D.C. in July, 2007 of mental health clinicians and researchers from across the country. VA will also hire 100 new employees to provide readjustment counseling at the Department's 209 community-based Vet Centers. VA also recently hired 100 new Vet Center employees, who are combat veterans, to conduct outreach to veterans of the Global War on Terror. VA operates one of the largest mental health programs in the country, with an annual budget of nearly $3 billion solely for mental health services. About 1 million of VA's patients have a mental health diagnosis.
The rate of community-acquired MRSA skin and soft tissue infections increased from 24.0 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to 164.2 cases per 100,000 in 2005. Risk factors for infection included incarceration, African-American race, and residence at a group of public housing complexes. Older age was also tied to a increased risk of infection.
1. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzew50b7/fairshakeforseniors/
VETERANS INFORMATION
Department veterans affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is convening a four-day meeting in Washington, D.C. in July, 2007 of mental health clinicians and researchers from across the country. VA will also hire 100 new employees to provide readjustment counseling at the Department's 209 community-based Vet Centers. VA also recently hired 100 new Vet Center employees, who are combat veterans, to conduct outreach to veterans of the Global War on Terror. VA operates one of the largest mental health programs in the country, with an annual budget of nearly $3 billion solely for mental health services. About 1 million of VA's patients have a mental health diagnosis.
The rate of community-acquired MRSA skin and soft tissue infections increased from 24.0 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to 164.2 cases per 100,000 in 2005. Risk factors for infection included incarceration, African-American race, and residence at a group of public housing complexes. Older age was also tied to a increased risk of infection.
1. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzew50b7/fairshakeforseniors/
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is convening a four-day meeting in Washington, D.C. in July, 2007 of mental health clinicians and researchers from across the country. VA will also hire 100 new employees to provide readjustment counseling at the Department's 209 community-based Vet Centers. VA also recently hired 100 new Vet Center employees, who are combat veterans, to conduct outreach to veterans of the Global War on Terror. VA operates one of the largest mental health programs in the country, with an annual budget of nearly $3 billion solely for mental health services. About 1 million of VA's patients have a mental health diagnosis.
The rate of community-acquired MRSA skin and soft tissue infections increased from 24.0 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to 164.2 cases per 100,000 in 2005. Risk factors for infection included incarceration, African-American race, and residence at a group of public housing complexes. Older age was also tied to a increased risk of infection.
1. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzew50b7/fairshakeforseniors/
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