Answers to FAQs about the Social Security debit card

— -- Q: Who's eligible for the Direct Express debit card?

A: Anyone who receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits can get the card. But the card will be most helpful to the 3.9 million recipients who have no bank accounts and don't qualify for direct deposit, one form of electronic payment. The Treasury Department has mailed information about the card to recipients in 10 states and will expand to the rest of the nation later this year. Sign up by calling 877-212-9991 or going to www.usdirectexpress.com.

Q: How does the card work?

A: Your benefit payment is automatically transferred to your Direct Express account each month. The funds can be accessed at any ATM or merchant that accepts MasterCard debit cards. As with other debit cards, you can check your account balance online. But unlike other debit cards, this one isn't linked to a bank account. That means you can't add money to your account. Only the government can transfer funds to the card.

Q: How do I make purchases with the card?

A: As with other debit cards, you can choose to either enter a PIN code or sign for the purchase. The money will be automatically deducted from your account.

Q: What fees apply to the card?

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A: You'll be charged if you want monthly paper statements and sometimes for replacement cards. You typically get one free ATM withdrawal each month; you'll pay 90 cents for each additional withdrawal. If you use an ATM outside Direct Express' network of 48,000 machines, you could also be charged a surcharge of up to $3 per withdrawal. Hefty fees also apply if you use the card at a merchant or ATM outside the USA. Check www.directexpress.org/userfiles/File/Direct_Express_Fee_Schedule(1).doc for a complete list of fees.

Q: What if I want to withdraw all my money?

A: You can get your money transferred from the debit card to a bank account for $1.50. You can also withdraw money from ATMs, though many ATM operators limit the amount you can withdraw per day to between $200 and $1,000.