YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

By DAVID BROWN

I have to admit that I was surprised to read that many baby boomers who get Federal benefit checks are lagging behind their parents' generation in using direct deposit. According to a recent survey sponsored by the Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank, the numbers are 59 percent for baby boomers and 72 percent for older generations. I find that startling for a generation that is so familiar and comfortable with modern technology. So for them, and for anyone else who is not now using direct deposit of Federal benefit checks, here are three points to keep in mind.

_Direct deposit is safe. Your money goes directly to the bank in the form of an electronic transfer so there's no risk of a check being lost or stolen.

_Direct deposit is quick. You can sign up at your banking institution or call Social Security and then relax. Your benefit will go automatically into your account every month and you'll have more time to do things you enjoy.

_Direct deposit is convenient. You no longer have to stand in line to cash your check when it arrives, or leave your house in bad weather or worry if you're on vacation or away from home. Your money is in your account and ready to use when business opens the day you receive your check.

If you are now receiving Social Security benefits and not using direct deposit, visit us at www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit/  to find easy-to-understand, user-friendly information about how you can sign up. Or you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office and ask for the publication Social Security - Receive Your Benefits By Direct Deposit. And, if you are one of the 76 million baby boomers who is only approaching the time when you will sign up for Social Security, be sure to keep in mind the many advantages of getting your Social Security retirement benefits through direct deposit.

Mr. Brown is District Manager of the Social Security Administration's Downtown New York Office.