All applicants filing for RRB benefits must choose to receive their annuity payments by Direct Deposit to their financial institution or by the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard®.
Even though your payments are paid electronically be sure to keep your home address on our records current. See Chapter 28 for additional information.
A. Direct Deposit
Under the RRB's Direct Deposit program, your monthly annuity payment will be deposited directly into the bank, credit union, or financial institution account that you indicate on your annuity application. You will find that this is both safe and convenient. If you decline direct deposit, you can still change your mind at a later date. Telephone or visit an RRB office. Have one of your personal checks available because it contains the information needed to start direct deposit.
Or, you may take one of your annuity checks to your financial institution and ask them to complete an automated Quick$tart enrollment or a Form SF-1199A, Authorization for Deposit of Federal Recurring Benefits. Your financial institution will have this form on hand. Your fi nancial institution will submit your enrollment to the RRB. Shortly after the RRB receives your direct deposit information, your monthly annuity payment will start going directly to your savings or checking account.
If you later change your account or fi nancial institution, follow the steps indicated above for direct deposit to your new account. Keep your old account open until the direct deposit of payments to your new account begins.
B. Direct Express® Debit MasterCard®
The Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® is a prepaid Debit MasterCard® you can use to get your monthly annuity payment. You do not need an account at a financial institution to sign up. Your monthly annuity payment will automatically be deposited directly to your card account. You can use your card to make purchases, pay bills, or get cash. There is no sign-up fee or monthly fees, and most services are free. After your annuity has been approved, you will receive in the mail a Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® and information package explaining the services available.