Did you know everyone who receives Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Affairs or other federal benefit payments by paper check is required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013? This all-electronic initiative will save taxpayers $1 billion over 10 years, while ensuring all federal benefit recipients receive their money in the safest, most reliable way possible.

Working with the Treasury Department’s Go Direct® campaign to share this information is the perfect addition to any financial empowerment initiative, as a shared goal is the movement of Americans to safer, more convenient electronic payments. Cities that are developing, executing or maintaining financial literacy programs are strongly urged to include information about this important requirement in materials and communications to residents and help them make the switch.

The Treasury Department recommends two electronic payment options: direct deposit to a checking or savings account or the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card. It’s fast, easy and free for people to switch to electronic payments online at www.GoDirect.org or by calling the U.S. Treasury Electronic Solution Center at (800) 333-1795. For direct deposit, people can also sign up at their bank or credit union.

Spread the Word

The Go Direct® campaign provides you with free materials and ideas to promote electronic payments in your city’s financial literacy initiatives. Below are examples of how some cities have included information in their efforts:

• Encourage financial institutions in your city to talk about the Go Direct campaign to current and incoming customers. The Treasury Department’s electronic payments requirement provides financial institutions with a logical reason to promote accounts to beneficiaries.
• Provide a link to www.GoDirect.org on your city’s or initiative’s website. 
• Include Go Direct campaign information in your communications to community partners or residents, such as your newsletter or listserv.
• Share Go Direct campaign information through your social media channels. The campaign has customizable brief tips and videos, such as its educational video and public service announcements.
• Distribute Go Direct campaign fliers at financial literacy events and classes in your community. 
• Include Go Direct campaign information in talking points and PowerPoint slides in your remarks and presentations.
• Invite a Go Direct campaign representative to present during a partner or coalition meeting via conference call.
• Share Go Direct campaign informational folders with your community partners.

For more information or to download or order free materials, visit www.GoDirect.org or contact a Go Direct campaign representative at (952) 346-6055 and GoDirect@webershandwick.com. Get involved today!

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service

The Go Direct® campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Federal Reserve Banks. The Go Direct® and Direct Express® logos, Go Direct® and Direct Express® are registered service marks of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service (used with permission). The Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card is issued by Comerica Bank, pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated.  MasterCard® and the MasterCard® Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.