Aug 22, 2013

Watch Out For Walmart Debit Cards!

     My client wanted her Social Security benefits deposited to her Walmart debit card. After her disability claim was approved by Social Security, the U.S. Treasury tried to direct deposit her back benefits to the Walmart debit card. Unfortunately, Walmart limits each individual direct deposit to one of its debit cards to $7,000. My client's back benefits were more than $7,000 so the money bounced back to the U.S. Treasury delaying her receipt of the back benefits. Watch out on Walmart debit cards. They can cause problems for many people applying for Social Security disability benefits.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why are some people so afraid of a traditional bank account?

I've had a bank account since I was 18. Never once had the bank "steal" my money or have any other problems.

Anonymous said...

check your privilege

with little or bad credit history, it is nearly impossible to open a checking account at most every bank. further, most banks' hours are not compatible with the work schedules and life schedules of many people. getting a bank account simply isn't that simple for many of our fellow citizens.

Anonymous said...

Ok, fair enough. Aren't they supposed to read the terms and conditions of the "debit card" they choose so they can determine if its right for them?

Anonymous said...

Never heard of that happening with a Walmart card before, but some banks will not even open an account for a child because of the parent's credit history.

Anonymous said...

If the Wal-Mart debit card has a limit, then ask SSA to pay the back benefits in installments.

As for ANON 3:00 pm, if this woman is choosing a Walmart debit card, her debit card options were probably not that great and she probably had no realistic expectation of ever having enough money on the card to make a limit matter.

Anonymous said...

Or use the Direct Express program specifically designed for Social Security benefits and easier for SSA employees to assist with.

SSDI will not be paid by installment even if the claimant asks.

Unknown said...

She should have read on the limits. Most people know the amount of back pay. Sounds like you was ignorant in preliminary research.I have a Walmart card that has always worked .

Unknown said...

A few years back while using Direct Express, my account was robbed of $9,800.00. I immediately filed a police report.I was refunded the $9,800.00. Thank God.