Major Changes in Social Security Benefits Underway: 3.6 Million Are Affected

(KMDL-FM) In my lifetime, Social Security has gone from a trusted safety net for hard-working Americans to a government debacle that, in the end, a lot of us will never reap any benefit. And while the future of your money that was taken from your paycheck by force remains in doubt, at least some folks are getting the Social Security stipend their years of keeping America's economy moving paid for.

3.6 Million Americans Will Be Affected By This Change at Social Security

Currently, 3.6 million Americans who are entitled to Social Security benefits are in the process of a major change in how those benefits are delivered. For Americans without traditional banking accounts who receive Social Security benefits, the process for getting and using those benefits is undergoing a major change.

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Just so you understand, the process itself should not require you to do much of anything. That is, if you've kept your account and contact information on file with Social Security up to date during your time with the program.

READ MORE: Retiring Without Social Security? Here's How Much You'll Need

For the majority of Americans with traditional bank accounts, Social Security benefits are on direct deposit. It's the safest and most efficient way to transfer those funds every month. For some 3.6 million Americans, those benefits are loaded onto a prepaid Mastercard credit card.

Why is the Delivery Method For Social Security Benefits Changing?

Those accounts have been administered by Comerica Bank through the Direct Express Cards. Comerica Bank recently merged with Fifth Third Bank. That financial institution will now take over the lead in adding funding to the Direct Express Card.

This means that for new enrolees in the system, your card will come from Fifth Third Bank. Just follow the instructions when you receive them, and you should be good to go. Things will be a little different if you are an existing account holder.

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You will continue to use your existing Comerica card until you receive a new card from Fifth Third Bank. Be on the lookout for a letter from Social Security. This should detail when you should expect the new card and the steps you'll need to take to activate and ensure that your benefits transfer over to the new card.

Most of the actions needed can be performed via the Direct Express Mobile App. Pardon me for wondering, but if a person doesn't have a bank account, will they really have a smartphone? Maybe so, but I think it's a valid question based on a non-governmental evaluation that uses common sense. And we know common sense is not allowed in government operations anymore.

READ MORE: Common Sense - Proof it Ain't That Common Anymore

Your new Mastercard should be accepted at all the places your old benefit card could be used. Just please, make sure your contact information is updated. It will save you a lot of heartache and government red tape. Now, if you enjoy spending hours on hold while Social Security looks for a living, breathing person to help you solve your issues, you can do that too. Good Luck.