NEWS from the
TOWNSHIP OF IRVINGTON

"It is the goal of this administration to investigate and implement any initiative that will improve life in Irvington, and to do so with all due care, commitment and concern."
MAYOR WAYNE SMITH

The Township of Irvington is endorsing a national effort that encourages recipients of social security and other federal benefits to make the switch from paper checks to direct deposit into bank or credit union accounts, Mayor Wayne Smith has announced. A new collaboration among the U. S. Conference of Mayors, the U. S. Department of the Treasury and Federal Reserve Banks, Go Direct is a safe, convenient and dependable alternative to checks, which are susceptible to loss, theft and forgery. About 65,000 checks issued by the Treasury, worth about $60 million, were forged in 2005, opening the door to identity theft, according to the agency.

Three options are available for enrollment:

1. log on to www.godirect.org and follow instructions

2. call the Go Direct helpline Mondays through Fridays 8 am to 8 pm-except federal holidays-at 1-800-333-1795 (English) or 1-800-333-1795 (Spanish)

3. log on to www.godirect.org, download and print Form 1199a and drop in the mail

"This program provides peace of mind and puts the security in social security for our senior citizens," the mayor said. Persons living or banking outside the U. S. are also eligible for the service. Those who wish to open a bank or credit union account should call the helpline for assistance.

Program officials cite the $120 million saved annually through the elimination of printing and mailing costs as another key benefit of Go Direct, as the funds are reserved in the Social Security Trust Fund.  

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