The Cost of Unemployment Compensation 0
This is just screwy: Pennsylvania started moving its umployement compensation to debit cards. The hook: you get your payments weeks faster than if you opt for checks or direct deposit.
And guess what?
You get to pay for the privilege of getting unemployement benefits with fees to the ATM card issuer (some outfit called ACS State & Local Solutions Inc.):
Yes, fees. Fees to withdraw unemployment benefits. Fees to transfer. Fees to learn that besides being out of work, you’re broke.
(snip)
The unemployment debit card touts one free withdrawal per month at Wachovia or PNC Bank.
Bank elsewhere or more often, and you’ll pay $1.50 for the privilege of getting your money. Maybe more, depending on “surcharges.”