Full Time RVer

When Uncle Sam made direct deposit of Social Security payments available, it was a gift to many RVers. No longer worrying about whether that paper check would finally chase you down wherever you were on the road, you figured your money was in the bank on “pay day.”

But what about those who don’t have a checking account–or don’t want one? Now Uncle Sam’s thinkers have come up with a new wrinkle: Direct Express Debit Cards. Think of it as a government issued debit card. Every month on your Social Security retirement or disability payday, the Treasury “recharges” a debit card for your use. You can buy stuff where most debit cards are accepted, or trot them into a handy ATM to access cash. You can make Internet purchases for sellers who accept debit cards.

These cards are issued free by the government. But are they really “free”? To an extent. You’re allowed to make one cash withdrawal at participating ATMs for every deposit the government makes. The government provides a toll free number or web site where you can find out if there’s a participating ATM near your location. Or, like many, you can make a purchase and get cash back at most retailers. Walmart rolls out a lot of cash on or near most Social Security paydays. If you need cash from an ATM after you’ve made your “free” withdrawal that month, then you’ll pay 90 cents a withdrawal.

The card offers other perks: You can sign up to be notified when your card balance drops below a certain point. You can also make free withdrawls at many banks and credit unions, provided you don’t mind waiting for bankers’ hours, as you’ll need to visit a teller to get your cash. The government, of course, suggests safety and security as being some of the biggest draws for the card.

Sign up by calling the government’s enrollment center at 877-212-9991, or visit on the web at www.usdirectexpress.com

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