KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports | An alternative to paper social security checks for seniors
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BY SARA GOLDENBERG
SGOLDENBERG@KJCT8.COM
GRAND JUNCTION (KJCT)- Now there is an alternative to paper social security checks for you or your loved one.
About 10.3 million seniors and people with disabilities still rely on paper checks for their social security and SSI payments.
The U.S. Treasury is introducing a new no-cost, pre-paid debit card option for federal benefits.The direct express debit Mastercard is a convenient alternative. You don't need a bank account, and there is no monthly fee.
But Aleta Ballard of Mesa County RSVP says she thinks the program may be a mixed blessing for seniors.
"It's important to protect seniors against fraud, either by having their checks stolen out of their mailbox or by family members that sometimes apprehend the checks before the seniors have the chance to get them themselves. The downside of it is a lot of seniors don't have a debit card, they don't like change," she said.
Ballard says senior citizens will need some guidance to get started-- but once they have adjusted to using the debit cards, they may find them easier to use.
If you're interested in getting a direct express debit card, and you receive social security or SSI benefits, call toll free 1-877-212-9991.
