Direct Deposit
This article applies to you if you have a Via Benefits reimbursement account (sometimes known as a Health Reimbursement Arrangement).*
Direct deposit is a convenient feature that allows Via Benefits to deposit your reimbursements into a checking or savings account, rather than mail you a paper check. Direct deposit is faster than getting a check in the mail, provides convenient reimbursement when you're away from home, and is more secure than mailed checks.
Once you receive your Via Benefits Reimbursement Guide, take the following actions to prepare for when your reimbursement account becomes effective. If you haven't already done so, create an account on the Via Benefits Accounts mobile app or on our website, set up direct deposit, and set your notification preferences. You can also submit a reimbursement request if you provided payment information for an initial payment with your application.
Important Facts
To take advantage of direct deposit, you must provide Via Benefits with the following information for your checking account or savings account:
Checking account number and routing number (as found at the bottom of your checks) and a voided check. If you set up direct deposit on the website or on the Via Benefits Accounts mobile app, a voided check isn't required.
Savings account number and routing number. Include documents from your bank with routing and account numbers. A savings deposit slip may not have all the necessary information.
If you and your spouse have separate reimbursement accounts, you both need to set up direct deposit. This applies even if you're using the same bank account.
If your former employer or benefits provider requires direct deposit for you to receive reimbursements, you don't receive payments until your banking information is validated.
You receive your payments by check until your banking information is validated (except as noted above).
Payments by check are held until the amount is greater than $25; however, if you establish direct deposit, the minimum payment is $1.
After you've set up direct deposit for your reimbursement account, please allow up to three business days after a reimbursement request is approved to receive your funds.
As always, Via Benefits protects your account information. Setting up direct deposit doesn't give our employees access to your banking information.
Your options for setting up direct deposit are described below. We recommend setting up direct deposit on the website or on the mobile app. Both options are more secure and faster than using a paper form.
Setting Up Direct Deposit on the Mobile App
Read the Setting Up or Canceling Direct Deposit on the Website section if you want to set up direct deposit on the website.
Set Up on the Mobile App
You have two opportunities to set up direct deposit on the mobile app. You can set it up whenever you'd like from the Dashboard. You're also given the opportunity after you submit reimbursement requests.
To set up direct deposit on the mobile app, complete these steps:
1. Sign into the mobile app using your Via Benefits website username and password.
2. Select Set Up Direct Deposit at the bottom of the Dashboard, or select Sign Up on the last screen after submitting a reimbursement request.
Note: Once you've set up direct deposit, both the Sign Up and the Set Up Direct Deposit messages go away.
3. Provide all of the requested information and select Add Bank Account.
Note: For help locating your banking information, select the ‘?’ next to Account Number.
Your direct deposit takes effect once your banking information is validated. Validation takes up to seven business days if entered through the mobile app or website. Any payments made during this time are a paper check.
Setting Up or Canceling Direct Deposit on Website
Read the Setting Up Direct Deposit on the Mobile App section if you want to set up direct deposit using the mobile app.
Set Up on the Website
To set up direct deposit, follow these steps:
1. Sign into your Via Benefits account.
2. Select View accounts in the Funds & Reimbursements section.
3. Select Reimbursement Center on the Funds and Reimbursements page.
4. On the Dashboard, select your name and then select Banking Information.
5. Select Add Bank Account.
6. Provide the required information on the Add Bank Account page.
7. Select Save.
Your direct deposit takes effect once your banking information is validated. Validation takes up to seven business days if entered through the mobile app or website. Any payments made during this time are a paper check.
For most people, direct deposits are displayed in your bank account as “Via Benefits.”
Update Your Bank Information on the Website
Whether you set up direct deposit on the website, on the mobile app or on a paper form, you can update your banking information on the website whenever you want.
If you already have direct deposit, follow these steps to update your banking information on the website:
1. Sign into your Via Benefits account.
2. Select View accounts in the Funds & Reimbursements section.
3. Select Reimbursement Center on the Funds and Reimbursements page.
4. On the Dashboard, select your name and then select Banking Information.
5. In the Actions section of the Profile page, select Edit.
6. Select Delete Account or select the trash can icon.
7. Select Yes, Delete Account. A message appears confirming your bank account has been deleted.
To add a new account:
1. Select Add Bank Account on the Profile page and provide the required information.
2. Select Save.
Your direct deposit takes effect once your banking information is validated. Validation takes up to seven business days if entered through the mobile app or website. Any payments made during this time are a paper check.
Cancel Direct Deposit on the Website
To cancel direct deposit, complete these steps:
1. Sign into your Via Benefits account.
2. Select View accounts in the Funds & Reimbursements section.
3. Select Reimbursement Center on the Funds and Reimbursements page.
4. On the Dashboard, select your name and then select Banking Information.
5. Select the trash can icon on the Banking Information page.
Note: If your former employer has a direct deposit requirement, the trash can icon isn't available to you.
6. Select Yes, Delete Account in the Delete Bank Account box. A message appears confirming your bank account has been deleted.
Setting Up Direct Deposit Using a Paper Form
You may also set up direct deposit or update your banking information by returning a completed Direct Deposit Authorization Form. The form is available by calling us and using our automated voice system or by speaking with a Via Benefits representative.
Note: Effective September 1, 2020, only Direct Deposit Authorization Forms with a barcode are accepted. Forms without a barcode aren't processed.
1. Complete the Direct Deposit Authorization Form.
Provide your banking information, including your bank account number and routing number. If you're requesting funds be deposited into a checking account, a voided check is also required.
2. Mail the form and voided check to the address provided on the form.
It may take up to 20 business days to receive and validate your Direct Deposit Authorization Form. Forms received between January 1 and March 31 can take up to 45 calendar days to be processed and validated. Direct deposit banking information validates within seven business days if submitted on the mobile app or website.
*Via Benefits reimbursement accounts are administered by Extend Health, LLC.
