By Oscar Gracia
Guest Columnist

Question: Does the Social Security Administration (SSA) have a form to sign up for direct deposit of benefits?

Answer: 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 www.socialsecurity.gov/icdd. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 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 this month 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, 7 days a week. You can also call the Go Direct helpline toll-free at 1-888-544-6347, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time. 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.

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, TX 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