An important change for those who receive their Social Security benefits on a Direct Express card is coming that may impact how you get your monthly payments. Millions of Direct Express cardholders will start getting a new debit card as part of a nationwide transition. This is a legitimate change, but many beneficiaries may mistake it for junk mail or possibly a scam if they are unaware of it.
At Handy Gear, we want our readers to know what has changed, who is impacted, and what each of them should do to ensure their benefit payments are not affected.
Why Is the Card Changing?
The Direct Express program will be handled by Fifth Third Bank instead of Comerica Bank. This decision is from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The transition began in May 2026. The current cardholders will continue to receive new cards in 2026. About 3.4 million Direct Express cardholders are expected to be affected.
Who Are Affected by This?
The transition will only affect beneficiaries who are getting the following federal benefits by a Direct Express debit card:
- Social Security retirement benefits
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Other eligible federal benefit programs
This change will not impact anyone who already receives payments directly to their personal bank account.
What Should You Do?
Do not cancel your Comerica Direct Express card just because you have been told about the change.
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Generally you should:
- Keep using your current card until you get the new one and it’s activated.
- To activate the new Fifth Third Bank Direct Express card, follow the instructions enclosed in the mailing.
- Use the new card only once it is activated.
- Always make sure that your Social Security Administration and Direct Express records are updated with your current address.
This will make sure that there are no interruptions in your future payments during the transitioning phase.
Why It Matters
Treasury data indicates that a large number of individuals rely heavily on these payments. About 57% have no other source of income, and most of them do not have a bank account as well. Receiving and activating the replacement card on time helps avoid delays in accessing future federal benefit payments.
Don’t Mistake the New Card for a Scam
The Direct Express replacement card does not change your benefit eligibility or the amount you receive. It is simply part of an official Treasury program transition.
Be sure to keep your address current with Direct Express, and if you are receiving federal benefits via Direct Express, watch your mail for the new Direct Express card and follow the activation instructions carefully. These measures will help you receive the benefits without delay during the transition.
