Social Security Debit Cards: 7 Things You Need to Know

Once the money is on the Direct Express can SSI find out how much is on your card? Or what you're spending it on?

me of ID 6:47PM March 23, 2009

Once the money is on the Direct Express can SSI find out how much is on your card? Or what you're spending it on?

me of ID 6:46PM March 23, 2009

I ask Social Security to put a limit of $25.00 om my Debit MasterCard. I have not been myself after loosing my husband to a fatal disease in May of 2008. I didn't realize I had went over my limit and my card has been cancelled. Getting my monthly SS every month was so much easier fo me than yrying to balance a check book. I would like to know if I can get my ss DIRECTEXPRESS Debit master Card back. want to be sure I can get it back and my money can be on my card in time to pay my bills. I usally start paying bills on the third of every month.

I would like for someone from SS to call me or send me an e-mail me. am really worried about gettng my card back.Please let me know at your earliest convients.

Sincerely,

Judy Davidson

Judy D. Davidson of KY 11:55PM February 22, 2009

I have this new debit card. I have no bank accounts and I am a Payee Representive to two (2) SS Recipients, one is nearing her 60's and disabled with Dementia and widowed, the ohter a minor who receives SS from her father's disabilty. Therefore there are 3 checks a month in all! I find that having to spend nearly $15.00 a month to cash these checks outragous, and find the debit card has saved that much for me. I can purchase groceries, clothing and prescriptions and get cash back without having to spare one cent towards fees! Same with paying monthly bills. If you pay attention & ask questions, you will find many ways to avoid fees.

Example:

Your Check is deposited onto your Debit Card. You need to purchase groceries for the month, pay utility bills, pick-up your prescriptions, and you need cash for those exra bills that require cash.

In our town, we have 3 grocery stores: Walmart, Brookshire's & Super1. All three provide cash-back with purchase. Even if the you receive food stamps to purchase food with, you will still need other items that require money,(toilet tissue, shampoo, bath soap, laudry detregent, etc.) Get cash-back when purchasing these items and there will not be fees.

Have your prescriptions filled at your grocery store (like Walmart/Walmart Pharmacy) and pay for them with your grocery checkout. Saves time and money by not having to drive from one location to anther to get several items.

Also, NEVER pay-at-Pump, this puts a hold (up to $75 or more) on your available funds. Pay for your fuel inside at the cashier, either before you pump or after. The actual amount will be transacted instead of to common "Hold" amount. "Hold Amounts" could be anywhere from $1.00 up to $75 or higher, depending on the company. A $1.00 hold can confuse you if you call to check your balance then you may cause an Overdraft. Or, you expect to have money left, only to find there is a hold on some of it. So, pay for your fuel at the cashier, not the pump.

Aviod "Trial Offers" online as well. These are usually only for a week or two, then you are charged a large amount. EX: My mother decided to purchase a grant search CD, for only $1.98 S+H, then was charged $69.99 two weeks later, causing her to be short what she needed for her phone bill. She used a debit card. She did not read the fine print at the very bottom of the page! She also, did not call to cancel and was charged the same amount the next month. Agian, causing problems with other bills due.

Of course this was before I took over her finaces. She came to me one day and said she was having trouble with the bank account. I took a look and she had become very overdrown. She was not balancing her checkbook right. Her dementia had become to-much for her to take care of herself.

We are still paying off the bank, therefore, the Debit Card offered by the SSA is very good for us.

The card may not be good for some, as it will be for others.

Regina of TX 10:37AM November 10, 2008