By Mary Perez

Jun. 10, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) --

WASHINGTON -- Mississippi is one of 10 states where Social Security recipients can access their benefits through a new Direct Express debit MasterCard.

The card that will be nationwide by October will function much like a bank debit card and is intended for those who don't have a bank account, said Judith Tillman, commissioner of the U.S. Treasury's Financial Management Service.

"This is not something that will automatically go to a person," said Tillman. Those who want the service can call the toll-free number or visit the Web site, where someone will help them enroll in the program. Once the information is checked, the debit card is mailed and benefits will be added to that card each month.

"You can't add other funds to it," said Tillman, but otherwise the card functions much like a traditional debit card and provides an alternative to check-cashing facilities and carrying large amounts of cash. In Mississippi, more than 185,000 Social Security and Supplementary Security Income paper checks are mailed each month and nationwide it totals 4 million.

With the debit card, most of the services are free. "You can get cash back at point of sale," Tillman said, and the first ATM withdrawal each month is free if the person stays in the network of 50,000 ATM machines. Cardholders can make purchases and pay bills with no service charge, and a toll-free customer service line allows them to get balance and transaction information and notification when their deposit is received.

"They can also do a low balance alert," by text message, e-mail, voice mail or regular mail, she said.

"There are some people who still want to see that check," she said, but "we know that there is a demand out there." Already 14,000 cards have been issued and between 8,000 and 14,000 calls a month come from people who want direct deposit, but don't have a bank account. "We didn't have a place to send these folks until now."

There is extra emphasis to get the program started in the southeastern states. "When a hurricane comes you can't be sure a check is going to be delivered," she said. Direct Express allows cardholders to go anywhere and still get their benefits.

Judith Tillman, commissioner of the U.S. Treasury's Financial Management Service



Social Security prepaid debit card information

Phone toll-free: 877-212-9991

Web site: usdirectexpress.com

- U.S. Treasury Financial Management Service

Newstex ID: KRTB-0021-25881371