press releases
Now Offered: Direct Bank Deposits of U.S. Federal Benefits
Athens (September 2, 2004) -- Beginning this month, Greek residents who are receiving federal benefits from the United States will have the option of having those benefits deposited directly into a U.S. dollar account. Benefits from the Social Security Administration, the Office of Personnel Management, the Veterans Administration, and the Railroad Board now qualify for this dollar account program.
The new service is in addition to the euro direct deposit program for U.S. Social Security checks that has been in effect since January 2004. The direct deposit program offers safety and convenience for U.S. federal benefits and eliminates mail delays in receiving the funds.
Interested individuals should visit one of the banks offering U.S. dollar direct deposit; Bank of Piraeus and Alpha Bank began offering the service as of August 2004. The National Bank of Greece began the program September 1, 2004. All branches of these 3 banks are offering this service throughout Greece. These participating banks will assist individuals in completing the needed sign-up form, which is available at the bank. Current customers of one of these banks, along with other interested individuals, will need to show a picture ID, as well as provide the current claim number, i.e., the account under which benefits are received. Individuals should discuss, with the bank, whether other criteria applies, as well as any fees that may be imposed.
For more information, please contact the U.S. Embassy's Federal Benefits Unit at 30-210-720-2426/2434.