The use of electronic direct deposit of OP&F benefit checks has proven to be a reliable and time�efficient method of receiving benefits. With direct deposit, the funds are automatically deposited in your bank account on the first day of each month, and are available immediately. OP&F uses secure bank�to�bank wire transfers to deliver the check to your account. There is no concern about the checks being lost or stolen.

Approximately 85 percent of OP&F members receiving benefits are enrolled in the electronic direct deposit program. However, nearly 5,000 checks continue to be sent via U.S. Mail to benefit recipients each month. Currently, benefit checks from OP&F are mailed on the first day of the month and may take several days for delivery. Also, some local banks may wait a day for the check to clear before making the funds available to members� accounts.

Currently, OP&F continues to send approximately 21,000 benefit statements each month to those using direct deposit. Sixty�five percent of the participants in a 2004 OP&F survey revealed they would be receptive to receiving these monthly benefit statements only when there is a change in the benefit amount (for example, when the annual cost�of�living�allowance is added).

To enroll in electronic direct deposit, visit www.op�f.org, or call OP&F Customer Service at 800�860�9599 and request a direct deposit brochure and application.