The Social Security debit card
By Arkie69
@Arkie69 (2156)
United States
September 28, 2008 11:03am CST
Do you have the SS debit card? I applied for it but I'm not convinced it was the smart thing to do. Is this a planned way to stop SS? All they would have to do is not deposit anything on your card and just say SS is broke. What are your thoughts on this?
3 people like this
4 responses
@rusty2rusty (6751)
• Defiance, Ohio
28 Sep 08
I think the social security card is a good thing. My only thing is some places want cash. Or do not accept certain kinds of debit/credit cards. How are you to pay a bill such as electric if the place will not accept the card? ME, I prefer to have any checks deposited in my bank account. That way I can check online what I have and how much much. Its great cause now I have to do is print every couple of days. Instead of logging everything down.
1 person likes this
@Bebs08 (10681)
• United States
29 Sep 08
I did not hear about SS debit card yet? are you serious?? does it say, SS is broke? hahhaah that is true maybe.
then what is the use of your card if you are not going to deposit money for it? Of course they will be broke if you keep on withdrawing money from it without depositing? I don't have any idea how that works.
then what is the use of your card if you are not going to deposit money for it? Of course they will be broke if you keep on withdrawing money from it without depositing? I don't have any idea how that works.@Arkie69 (2156)
• United States
29 Sep 08
It will just be a prepaid Visa or Master Card and once a month SS will deposit your SS to the card. You will be able to use the card any place Visa or Master Cards are accepted. If you need some cash you can use the card to get it out of ATM's. It is just a cheaper way for the government to get your SS to you.
1 person likes this
@unusualsuspect (2602)
• United States
28 Sep 08
I think you're being a bit paranoid. If the government wanted to stop Social Security they do o it just as well if you have direct deposit to your bank account. The debit card is a replacement for paper checks, and is a convenience for people who don't have bank accounts. It can save them a lot of money if they're cashing their checks as a check-cashing service. It's also a way for the government to save money, by not having to send out paper checks every month.
I'd be nervous about having my entire income on a card that could be stolen. A bank account is safer, but if you really can't open an account, the debit card is the next best thing.
@Arkie69 (2156)
• United States
28 Sep 08
I should have said "Is this card another step toward stopping SS". If our economy crashes so will our government and so will SS. I know direct deposit and these cards will save the government money over printing and mailing checks. If our economy does go South we are going to need cash not a card.
1 person likes this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
28 Sep 08
Whether it be a debit card or a check, it will be the same thing.
You would still not get cash from the government. A check would still have to be cashed, and that would amount to the same thing as a debit card.
1 person likes this
@singout (980)
• United States
28 Sep 08
I didn't even know there was such a ting as a SS debit card. Was the application mailed to you? Did it look official?
@Arkie69 (2156)
• United States
28 Sep 08
I didn't know it either until I got my last SS check. There was one of the small cards in with my check the told about it and gave a .gov web site address where you could sign up for it. My daughter signed me up for it. I received a letter from SS a couple of days ago that said it could take up to 2 months for it to take effect. In the meantime they are supposed to mail me the card. If it works ok it will save me the $25 it cost me to get my check cashed every month. Also I won't have to drive the 4 miles to cash it. Just type in "Social Security Debit Card" into your browser and you will get several sites that will tell you about it. If I get any more information on it I'll post it right here.
