Question about Unemployment benefits paid via debit card in MO

[MadinMo]

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) I am one of the unitiated when it comes to debit cards. In Missouri, they are changing the way they pay their unemployment benefits --- and now they will be loaded onto debit cards. How the heck do I use one of these? I'm told I can go to any ATM and access the funds, but I've never used an ATM before.

Is anyone familiar with this method of UI payment? Can I get a crash course in how to operate in this electronic funds world? Asking a live person with the State about this is next to impossible. They are overloaded with calls/claims.

I must say I feel like a real dork asking this --- but I've always used checks or cash (sometimes a credit card).

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Don't they have that info on their website?

You'll probably be supplied a PIN (personal Identification Number), and will have to confirm it.
Am sure you will get instructions witht hat.

[EOTE]

2. Quick primer.

You bring your debit card to an ATM (preferably an ATM of the same bank your card is from to avoid ATM fees). You insert your debit card into the machine and punch in your PIN number (usually 4 digits). From there, you can check your account balance as well as deposit and withdraw funds. Also, you can use your debit card in any location you'd normally use a credit card. It's probably a lot simpler than you're imagining.

[murielm99]

3. Hey, I am in the same boat.

I live in a rural area. Everyone here takes my checks.

The next time I travel, my kids tell me, I will have to join the 21st century. Of course they are correct.

[sandnsea]

4. Swipe, Enter Pin,

Enter Amount Desired to Spend, Follow Very Easy Directions. Almost every place takes debit cards. I finally went to one last year. I hardly ever carry cash anymore. Relax.

[peace13]

5. Don't worry about asking questions.

If you don't get all of your answers here be sure and ask the people at the bank where you do business. They will be happy to answer your questions. Be sure and verify with them, that there are no service fees at the ATM's you plan to use. Good luck. I would have had to ask too. Peace, Kim

[MadinMo]

6. Many thanks to all for your kind responses.

The bank the card is issued on is a bank in the capital city (Jefferson City) --- that's just great. BUt I'll ask the nice people at my bank if they know any ATMs around that will be compatible.

[Blue Diadem]

7. Be very careful about fees and those UE debit cards.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090220/ap_on_bi_ge/bank_fees_jobless_benefits

It was on DU the other day. Here in Ohio we have a choice of direct deposit or the debit card. My DH chose direct deposit.

[MadinMo]

9. Yeah I sent in the forms for direct deposit but got the debit card in the mail

a couple of weeks later. And trying to get in touch with a live person to talk with about it is next to impossible. I'd rather have the direct deposit, definitely.

[LuckyLib]

8. AFter you have entered the amount you want withdrawn, if you will be charged a fee, the ATM must

tell you so, and the amount of the fee. You will still have time to say "no", stop the transaction, and withdraw your card. The machines do NOT advertise on the outside that they charge a fee, so this is one way to find out. On my regular debit card, I have found the local machines that never charge a fee.