Congresswoman Boyda and her office encourage residents who receive federal monetary aid to apply for direct depositing. Whether it is through Social Security, Veteran Affairs or any other federal agency, we want to make sure that you get the aid you need. Such preventative measures will allow your bank account to continue receiving payments even during impeding events, such as a natural disaster or a vacation.

In disastrous circumstances such as a natural disaster, the post office may be unable to deliver your mail the day you expect it to arrive. Also, if you are temporarily away from the house, you will not be able to cash your paper checks until you return home to check your mail. By applying for direct deposit, the aid you expect will be automatically transferred to your bank account. Direct deposit is the quickest, easiest, and safest way to receive payments from federal agencies.

The advantages of direct deposit are numerous. Perhaps most beneficial is not having to deal with the hassle a paper check requires.
• No waiting for a check in the mail. Direct deposits are usually authorized a day in advance of the payday, so you get the money earlier than everyone else.
• No lost or stolen checks. Material objects can be easily misplaced. With direct deposit, the funds will be electronically transferred to your account. Also, all transactions are traceable.
• No more hassle at the bank. You no longer need to remember to stop by the bank before it closes. You no longer need to stand in line to cash your check or pay extra fees. The work will be done for you. All you need to do is check your account to make sure the money has been deposited.

U.S. Social Security Administration payments

We encourage you to apply for direct deposit not only because it can ease the demand of your busy day, but the direct deposit system also has a great record for reliability. The U.S. Social Security Administration reports that, “since 1976 when direct deposit first became available to Social Security beneficiaries, not one payment has ever been lost.” Not only is a direct deposit fast and easy; it is reliable.

If you already receive payments from the Social Security Administration there are several ways to ask for direct deposits:
• Go to their website, Social Security Online Services, and obtain a password to start direct deposit online.
• Sign up at your bank, credit union or savings and loans.
• Call the Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)

The Department of Veterans Affairs payments

The following benefits can be direct deposited: Compensation, Pension, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch 31), Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), Active duty (Ch 30) and MGIB Selective Service (Ch 1606).

In order to apply for direct deposits, you will need a 9 digit routing number beginning with a 0, 1, 2 or 3. An account number can be up to 17 characters long. Consider whether you want this deposited to a checking or savings account. Next, you should contact the Department of Veterans Affairs by taking one of the following steps:
• Telephone - You may apply for Direct Deposit by telephone by calling 1-877-838-2778 or 1-800-827-1000, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:50 PM Central Time.
• Fax - You may fax your request to 918-781-7578.
• Mail - You may mail your request to:
             VA National Direct Deposit Center
             Suite B
             125 S. Main Street
             Muskogee, OK 74401

Our office has presented this information to you in the hope that you will take the pre-emptive measures to ensure your safety and well-being through any possible event. Many people affected by Hurricane Katrina learned the benefits of direct deposits too late. Because the storm happened on the 29th of August, beneficiaries had no way of receiving the checks they were expecting. Checks not obtained were either due to residents seeking cover somewhere other than their homes, or roads obstructing access to the Post Office. In order to avoid a similar situation here in the Second District, our office strongly encourages the option of direct deposits.