WASHINGTON - Starting Sept. 2, the Social SecurityAdministration made it easier to get checks even though the UnitedStates Postal Service (USPS) has suspended mail service in someareas damaged by Hurricane Katrina. USPS is establishing temporarymail delivery stations for recipients to pick up their SocialSecurity check. If persons are not able to go to a temporary maildelivery station, they can go to any open Social Security officeand request an immediate payment. Ten temporary sites in Louisiana,Mississippi and Alabama were open over the Labor Day weekend toaccommodate those who receive checks. To help prevent identityfraud, USPS asked for a photo ID. For those who receive checksthrough direct deposit, the agency said they will still bedeposited in their accounts as usual. However, if a credit union orbank has been impacted by Katrina and recipients can not gainaccess, they go to any open Social Security office and request animmediate payment. Starting on Sept. 8, the SSA said unclaimedchecks will be forwarded, if a forwarding address is on file. Thosethat cannot be forwarded will be returned to the Social SecurityAdministration. For residents of Louisiana ZIP Codes not includedin these lists, checks will be delivered as usual. Efforts are alsounderway to establish a postal presence at the Houston Astrodomefor evacuated Louisiana residents, the SSA said.