For individuals who file for benefits on or after May 1, 2011 and do not allege one
of the exemptions to the electronic payment requirement, take the following actions:
-
1.
Advise the individual of the electronic payment (direct deposit) requirement.
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2.
Inform the individual that he or she must receive payment by direct deposit, and discuss
its advantages as stated in GN 02402.005G.
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3.
If the individual does not have a bank account, discuss the Direct Express debit card
and its advantages as stated in GN 02402.007. NOTE: Do not use a protective filing or development date solely to exempt a claim from
the electronic payment requirement. Claims filed before May 1, 2011 are not subject
to the electronic payment requirement, regardless of when we adjudicate the claim.
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4.
If the individual does not agree to electronic payment, tell the individual, “We will
temporarily pay you by check and Treasury will contact you at a later time to discuss
how you will receive your benefit payments in the future.”
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5.
As of March 1, 2013, Title II beneficiaries and Title XVI recipients must select a
form of electronic payment or apply for exemption. Treasury is responsible for reviewing
the request and making a determination. Treasury will contact the individuals directly
once they make a determination.
To maintain good public relations field offices (FOs) must:
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•
Maintain lists of financial institutions (FIs) in their area that offer low cost banking
services; or
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•
May prefer to maintain a list of all FIs in the area, with the type of accounts they
provide, and the approximate cost of the accounts; and
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•
Update the lists every two years to ensure their accuracy.