A: No. SSA does not have a form for direct deposit of benefits. The easiest way for beneficiaries to start or change direct deposit is to use our online application at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/icdd/.  

You can also call Social Security at (800) 772-1213, or contact your financial institution. You might be thinking of the Treasury Department form, SF-1199a, which is used to start direct deposit of various federal payments.

SSA and the Treasury Department are actually working on a joint effort to increase the use of direct deposit.

This campaign is called “Go Direct.” SSA will be mailing letters in late March to Social Security beneficiaries who currently receive their benefits via paper check. The letter encourages people to use direct deposit by signing up with “Go Direct.” Signing up for direct deposit is fast, easy, and free. You can sign up online at www.GoDirect.org 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The “Go Direct” helpline is at (888) 544-6347.

If you prefer, just fill out the “Go Direct” sign-up form and mail it in. No postage is necessary. You will need certain information to sign up. The letter that people receive from SSA will explain this information further.

Remember, direct deposit is safe and convenient. There are no checks to be lost or stolen. You will get your benefits on time, even if you are out of town, sick, or unable to get to the bank. It is also secure. You are in control of your money. You choose the account where your Social Security payment is deposited.

Q: I did not apply for Medicare Part B when I turned 65. Can I apply later?

A: Yes. If you did not sign up for Medicare Part B medical insurance when you first became eligible for Medicare, you now have an opportunity to apply.

However, time is running out. The deadline for applying is March 31. If you miss the deadline, you will have to wait until 2009 to apply.

Medicare Part B covers some medical expenses not covered by Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), such as doctors’ fees, outpatient hospital visits and other medical supplies and services. When you first become eligible for hospital insurance (Part A), you have a seven-month period (your initial enrollment period) in which to sign up for medical insurance (Part B).

You are given another opportunity to enroll in Part B during the general enrollment period, from January 1 to March 31 of each year. Generally, a 10 percent premium penalty will be added to the monthly premium for each year they could have enrolled but did not. However, if you are covered by an employer, or union group health plan through you or your spouse’s current or active employment, you may qualify for a special enrollment period.

You can learn more about Medicare by reading our electronic booklet, “Medicare” at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html. You may also call us toll-free at (800) 772-1213 or (800) 325-0778 to ask for a copy. The Medicare Web site at www.medicare.gov is also a great resource.

Oscar Garcia is a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration. You may direct your questions to him at: SSA, 727 E. Durango Blvd., Room B701, San Antonio, Texas 78206. You can also e-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .