Unemployment Check distribution (collecting, receive, payment, work)

[caligurltotx]

I am curious as to how many states still mail out a paper check? I know CA is one state that does this. Is it financially sensible? I consider it to be unneccessary and kind of outdated. Just wondering if the majority of states are using direct deposit or debit cards.

How is your check distributed and what state are you in?

[sinsativ]

Debit Card, Texas

[annerk]

Direct deposit in Florida, although you can get a paper card if you don't ahve a bank account.

I have a question though--how does a debit card work? I can't pay my mortgage with a debit card.

[Asheville Native]

NC -direct deposit

[mich2fla]

MI - direct deposit

[JS1]

Originally Posted by annerk

Direct deposit in Florida, although you can get a paper card if you don't ahve a bank account.

I have a question though--how does a debit card work? I can't pay my mortgage with a debit card.

That's correct. You can buy stuff at the store, gasoline, withdraw cash, etc., with the debit card (all of which costs a fee!) but you can't use it to replace writing a personal check.

I love my debit card attached to my checking account (no fees) but I can't stand it when payments are made to me using a fee-laden debit card. I am collecting unemployment that is direct deposit because I signed up for it (otherwise I would get the debit card).

I know of one employer who pays people on a debit card, and I quit working for them after a few months, in part due to having my paycheck on a freaking debit card.

[annerk]

Thanks JS!--Do these states also offer the option of a direct deposit, or do you have to take a debit card? What would be the benefit of the debit card?

[bam531]

Tennessee- paper check no direct deposit no card I think it would save the state some money to do direct deposit or card

[JS1]

Originally Posted by annerk

Thanks JS!--Do these states also offer the option of a direct deposit, or do you have to take a debit card? What would be the benefit of the debit card?

I was given the option of direct deposit, which I took.

There is no benefit to using the debit card unless you don't have a checking account and don't wish to get one (the benefit being that you get something rather than nothing). You can't write checks off it and the bank charges you fees to use it.

[Rhenzanite]

Originally Posted by JS1

That's correct. You can buy stuff at the store, gasoline, withdraw cash, etc., with the debit card (all of which costs a fee!) but you can't use it to replace writing a personal check.

I love my debit card attached to my checking account (no fees) but I can't stand it when payments are made to me using a fee-laden debit card. I am collecting unemployment that is direct deposit because I signed up for it (otherwise I would get the debit card).

I know of one employer who pays people on a debit card, and I quit working for them after a few months, in part due to having my paycheck on a freaking debit card.

There's actually a lawsuit going on for an employer that I used to work for in regards to a debit card. Apparently, it's not quite legal to charge employees to receive their paycheck, which is what happens when you pay the fee while using the ATM. I'm listed as a plantiff (I think...) because I was a manager and I was also one of the people to bring up the legality.