Social Security Plans to Get Checks Through

The Social Security Administration said Wednesday that it was developing plans to ensure that thousands of elderly and disabled residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina would have access to their monthly checks.

Those checks go out today and Friday.

Mark Hinkle, a spokeswoman for Social Security, said the agency would continue to send monthly payments through the regular routes -- either by direct deposit or by mail.

“But if they have any problems, they can go to any Social Security office and request an emergency payment,” he said.

“There will be temporary field offices in various areas around the disaster zone,” Rep. Jim McCrery (R-La.) said. “We’ll be trying to get word to refugees ... that they can call or visit the offices to get checks.”