Soc. Security Checks Said on Time

Updated 6:05 PM ET December 29, 1999

WASHINGTON (AP) - The 44 million Americans who collect Social Security benefits shouldn't expect their January payments any sooner than usual, although the Postal Service and banks are getting the checks and electronic files for direct deposits a bit early.

"Nothing will change for beneficiaries," said Social Security Administration spokesman John Trollinger.

Banks and post offices will be able to begin processing Social Security payments on Dec. 30 this year, instead of the normal Dec. 31. However, the Social Security Administration anticipates they will need that extra day's cushion.

They will be facing the twin obstacles of a long holiday weekend - Friday is a federal holiday because New Year's Day falls on a Saturday this year - and uncertainties about the Y2K computer bug.

Social Security Commissioner Kenneth S. Apfel has advised that beneficiaries should expect to see their payments on the normal delivery date - Monday, Jan. 3, for most people.

On Wednesday, the New York Clearing House, a financial middleman that helps process electronic government benefit payments, said it had successfully passed 1 million January-dated Social Security payments along to banks it serves, mainly in New York and New Jersey.

Clearing house senior vice president George Thomas said, "We had transactions dated for 2000, and we know that worked, and we were able to distribute that to the banks. Now it's up to them."

====================================== Ray

Ray

-- Ray (ray@totacc.com), December 29, 1999