Press Release (En español)
For Immediate Release
press.office@ssa.gov
Nation's First Baby Boomer Receives Her First Social Security Retirement Benefit
Kathleen Casey-Kirschling, the nation's first Baby Boomer, today made history as the first of her generation to receive a Social Security retirement benefit. Having applied online for benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov, Ms. Casey-Kirschling, who was born at one second after midnight on January 1, 1946, today received her first payment by direct deposit.
"Like many of her fellow boomers, Kathy leads a full and busy life," said Jim Courtney, Social Security Deputy Commissioner for Communications. "By choosing direct deposit, Kathy's benefit is safely and conveniently deposited into her bank account. No matter where in the country - or the world - Kathy is, her money is as close as the nearest ATM or just a mouse click away through online banking."
As the nation's first Baby Boomer, Ms. Casey-Kirschling is leading what is often referred to as America's silver tsunami. Over the next two decades, nearly 80 million Americans will become eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, more than 10,000 per day on average. Ms. Casey-Kirschling is setting the example for millions of her fellow boomers by receiving her retirement benefits in the safest, most convenient way possible.
"Direct deposit is a win for everyone," said Judith R. Tillman, Commissioner of Treasury's Financial Management Service (FMS). "For the last three years, Treasury has led a campaign called Go Direct to educate Americans about the many benefits of direct deposit. We at Treasury congratulate Kathy on receiving her first Social Security payment and on her decision to Go Direct."
Direct deposit eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks, reduces fraud, helps protect against identity theft and gives people more control over their money. Direct deposit also saves taxpayers millions of dollars. In fact, according to FMS, if every current federal benefit check recipient switched to direct deposit, it would save taxpayers about $130 million a year.
At an event today in Vero Beach, Florida, Social Security also premiered a new video public service announcement, featuring Ms. Casey-Kirschling, that promotes filing online for retirement benefits. (View the video)
"Kathy is a trendsetter for her generation," Social Security's Courtney said. "Just as she led the way by filing for her benefits online, we hope she leads the way for baby boomers to receive their benefits by direct deposit."
For more information about direct deposit, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit or visit www.GoDirect.org. To learn more about Social Security's online services, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.