For Senior Citizens, Bank Accounts Are Not Always A Necessary Evil.

Patrick recently moved to a different state.  He went in to open a checking account and was told he could not.  His income, after Medicare deductions was $1425 in Social Security.  The bank explained that his former credit union had entered him into company called “Check Systems” because his account had been closed due to an overdraft. Because he was frustrated, Patrick called HELPS to find out if there was anything he could do.

I regularly speak with many senior citizens who have questions about bank accounts.  Many have problems with overdraft  bank fees.   Some owe debt and worry about their bank account being garnished.  There is a federal banking regulation that instructs banks that twice the amount of a persons monthly social security deposited into a bank account is automatically protected from garnishment no matter the source of the monies in the account at the time.   E.G., if a person's social security was $1500, then $3000 in the account to which social security is deposited is protected from garnishment.  

A senior on social security may not need a bank account.  Almost everyone accepts debit cards these days.  Almost all regular monthly bills can be paid  by debit card by phone or online.  You can even use a debit card to get a cashiers check on the rare occasion you might actually need a check.   Your social security can now be received directly onto a debit card that is not attached to any bank account.   There is no cost to join and no monthly fees. Here is a link to a Social Security website that describes the Direct Express card program:  Direct Express Program

Learn More About Other Issues and What HELPS Can Do For You.