Go Direct 

Go Direct is a national campaign designed to motivate more Americans to select direct deposit for their federal benefit payments, such as Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks are sponsoring the campaign, which kicked off in fall 2005.

The integrated marketing campaign reaches out to people through organizations and people they know and trust -- such as financial institutions and community-based groups -- to inform them about the benefits of direct deposit, and help them sign up for it.

The campaign also uses media outreach, direct mail, advertising and a Web site - www.GoDirect.org

Why is the government promoting direct deposit?

Direct deposit is safer than mailing checks. You are 30 times more likely to have a problem with your federal benefit check than with your direct deposit payment.

It's easier than checks, because people who get benefits don't need to go to the bank or credit union to deposit a check. Their payment goes straight into their account on payment day each month, giving people more control over their money.

Plus, direct deposit allows immediate access to funds from virtually anywhere. It's simple to sign up for direct deposit -- it just takes a few minutes to sign up by phone, online or in person at a Go Direct event, bank or credit union, or a local Social Security office.

Why should taxpayers care about direct deposit?

Direct deposit represents a significant savings over paper checks -- 75 cents per federal benefit payment. The Treasury issues more than 150 million benefit checks annually. If all those were converted to direct deposit, it would save taxpayers about $120 million annually. Almost all money saved remains in the Social Security Trust Fund.

What will happen when baby boomers start retiring?

Unless the rate of direct deposit use increases, the costs associated with issuing federal benefit checks will balloon when baby boomers start retiring in 2008. These costs include printing and mailing fees, as well as money spent on claims and problem resolution.

The Treasury recognizes that it is important to take action now to increase the growth trend of direct deposit. The money saved on postage, printing and other costs as a result of Go Direct will be used to cover the costs of future Social Security payments.

Who is Go Direct aiming to reach?

The campaign's message is focused on Americans who receive Social Security and SSI payments. These two groups receive the largest number of benefit payments by check.

What are the key messages about direct deposit that Go Direct conveys to federal benefit check recipients?

·  It's safer. Direct deposit protects people from fraud and identity theft. In fact, you are 30 times more likely to have a problem with your federal benefit check than with your direct deposit payment.

·  It's easier. Payments go straight into your account, so you don't have to go to the bank or credit union to deposit a check.

·  It gives you more control. Direct deposit is completely predictable -- you know you'll have your money at the same time each month. Also, you can access your money from virtually anywhere -- so you have it when you need it most.

How does direct deposit work?

With direct deposit, your money goes straight into your account at the same time each month, thus giving you more control over your money. It eliminates the risk of stolen checks and forgeries and helps protect you from identity theft.

Direct deposit also provides immediate access to your money from virtually anywhere.

How many federal beneficiaries currently are using direct deposit?

Today, around 80 percent of federal benefit payments are made by direct deposit. But the growth rate is slipping. In fact, recent analysis by the Treasury shows that only 75 percent of new Social Security recipients, the largest group to receive federal benefit payments, currently are signing up for direct deposit. This is down sharply from a high of 90 percent in the late 1990s.

What if a Social Security or SSI recipient doesn't have an account?

If an individual wants to use direct deposit but doesn't have a bank or credit union account, there are other options. Individuals can call the toll-free Go Direct helpline at (800) 333-1795 (English and Spanish) and ask for more information about opening an account.

How do partner organizations participate in Go Direct?

Many different types of organizations and institutions -- from banks and credit unions to community-based groups -- play an important part in Go Direct. As a Go Direct partner, organizations participate by:

·  Holding events

·  Recruiting and training volunteers

·  Endorsing and publicizing the campaign

·  Incorporating Go Direct campaign information in regularly scheduled events, conferences and training

There is no cost to an organization to sign on as a Go Direct partner. If you would like to become a partner, please call (952) 346-6055 for more information.