Social Security Debit Cards: 7 Things You Need to Know

I applied for the debit card and later the same day changed my mind. I called to cancel the application and was told they couldn't do it, that I would have to call SocialSecurity which I did. They said they couldn't do it, so now what?

shirley Rogers of MN 7:51AM October 06, 2008

As a long term Social Security Recipient, I have been witness to just about every problem in the book, when it comes to getting paid every month.

For the most part, as long as you don't go around making constant changes to your account, you shouldn't have problems getting your bills paid and making sure you, yourself, have a little spending money in your pocket. That is, of course, as long as you have not signed up for the new Direct Express card offered by the Social Security Administration.

In short....if you need something to depend on, don't get it.

As with all new government programs, there are always bugs to clean up, but this one's got several "in your face" red flags all around it.

For instance, once a member of the new Direct Express Card, you are navigated to their web site where you are directed to set up your new user account and password. That was three months ago and I haven't been able to complete the set up since I began the process in May 2008. As if that were not enough, the customer service number only leads to an automated system with little in the way of options to chose....leaving you with no other choice but to choose the one that directs you to the "lost and stolen" report line! This is the only way you'll get a live person. In fact, it's the preferred method as explained to me by their so called, "customer service" department.

Once there, don't expect a lot. Their standard answer here is always the same. "Give us 7-10 business days to iron out the problems with our server". I'm coming up on 4 months now.

Need to direct deposit your check? Forget it. thsi card has no bank name attached to it, no routing number, and no account number. In short, you can't even make a direct bill pay, as is promised on the literature for the card.

Need to use your card online to make a purchase, or pay a bill? Forget it. Your account will come back declined every time.

They even offer you a whole array of optional services that they deduct for, like the "Funds Transfer Service"! Trouble is, (read above), you need to be able to give the recieving bank (or person), the account information, just so you CAN transfer funds!!! There isn't any!!! Wake up Social Security! With so many questions left unanswered, who would trust any service at this point anyway.

I'm surprised that I'm even able to access my money at the first of the month! and, when I do?......I take it all! I don't leave a dime. I put it on one of those "every day pre-paid visa cards" that you can pick up at your local grocery store. Sure, I pay a small fee, but it's worth it to me to not have the worries.

Sure wish I could offer the reader a more non-biased point of view, but these are the facts as they pertain to me, an most others, according to the customer service department (remember to report it stolen, just to get them).

Sincerely,

John L. Gibson

Port Angeles, WA

John Gibson of WA 8:43PM September 15, 2008

If Social Security decides to use debit cards they should make an agreement with all banks to cash the debit card free. Since SS will be saving lots of money due to less fraud they should foot the bill for all charges attached attached to this debit card for it's use. Why should we, the retired or disabled, be charged fee's so SS can save money.

ANNETTE of FL 8:10PM July 08, 2008

I simply think that though some say it may be safer to receive debit cards or direct deposit , no one seems to have stopped to think that there are those who don't have ANY money left before the month ends . What is this going to mean to someone who has no one to help them out finanically ? As far as for the people who receive these checks , such as retired and disable people , I can assure you that NOT ALL of these people have a lot of income and with the price of food , gas , clothing etc... going up which makes it hard already , what are the people who barely make it , if at all , suppose to do ? I agree with a statement made here that the banking industry will be the winner here ...but what hurts me so bad is that the people who are drawing Social Security benefits such as retirement , disibility , or any other DID NOT ASK to get this far in life or wind up disable or whatever the case may be ... they did work at one time and even PAID into the system.....just to find out that due to the cost of things their check has already depreicated ... and now once again ...they are going to have it that much harder due to nickel and dime fees here and there . I think that if given this card through Social Security without even having a choice , there should be NO FEES to use the card if you are a Senior Citizen , Disable , etc I mean what would that hurt ???? It would be no different than cashing a paper check now , people would receive their checks and actually get to KEEP the full amount in order to pay bills etc.......... I use to think that all people were and are equal , I am coming to find out however that this to is just another thing that is changing with time ...I have to wonder though how the people who made these rules would feel if it were them who was trying to figure out how to pay the bills , get their medicines , buy food , knowing that the little bit they counted on to help them get by has just been once again chipped away , leaving them that much farther in the red ...and worse of all ???? Knowing that no one cares . Remember the person that is having it ruff today, could be anyone of us tommorrow .

Andrea of NC 12:25AM June 30, 2008