How Social Security Is Moving Away From Checks and Mailed Cards
Social Security stopped mailing paper checks in 2011, but you may still receive one if you requested an exception
The Social Security Administration no longer issues new paper checks. If you started receiving benefits after May 2011, you must use either direct deposit (money goes straight to your bank account) or a Direct Express card (a government debit card that works like a prepaid account). If you have been receiving checks, you can keep them — but Social Security is encouraging everyone to switch to electronic payment.
The shift happened because electronic payments are faster, safer, and cheaper to administer than printing and mailing checks. Checks can be lost, stolen, or delayed. Direct deposit and the Direct Express card both deliver your money within one to two business days of the payment date, and you can access it immediately.
If you are still on checks and want to continue, you can request a waiver from the requirement to switch. But if your check is lost or stolen, you will have to wait for a replacement — sometimes weeks. Most people find electronic payment more reliable.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security requires all new beneficiaries to receive payments by direct deposit or Direct Express card; paper checks are no longer issued to new recipients.
- If you have been receiving checks since before May 2011, you can keep them, but you must request a waiver to do so.
- Direct deposit is free and deposits money into your bank account; Direct Express is a government debit card with a small monthly fee if you use certain features.
- You can change your payment method at any time by contacting Social Security or using your my Social Security account online.
- Electronic payments arrive within one to two business days and are safer than checks, which can be lost, stolen, or delayed in the mail.
Direct Deposit: How it works and who can use it
Direct deposit sends your Social Security payment straight to a bank account, credit union account, or certain prepaid card accounts. You provide your routing number and account number, and the money arrives automatically on the same day each month. There is no fee for direct deposit, and you do not need to do anything once it is set up — the payment happens on schedule.
You can use direct deposit with any bank or credit union in the United States. You do not need a minimum balance, and you do not need to maintain any particular account type. Some people use direct deposit to a savings account, others to a checking account. The only requirement is that the institution accepts ACH transfers, which nearly all do.
If your bank account closes or you change banks, you will need to update your payment information with Social Security. If you do not update it in time, your payment may be returned, and Social Security will reissue it — but this can cause a delay of several weeks. It is worth updating your information as soon as you switch banks.
Direct Express Card: The government debit card option
The Direct Express card is a prepaid debit card issued by Comerica Bank on behalf of Social Security. Your benefit payment is loaded onto the card each month, and you can use it to withdraw cash, make purchases, or transfer money to a bank account. The card works like a regular debit card at ATMs and stores.
There is no monthly fee if you use the card at least once per month. If you do not use it for 12 consecutive months, Comerica charges a $1 monthly maintenance fee. You can avoid this by making at least one transaction — even a small purchase or ATM withdrawal — within the 12-month window. There are also small fees for certain services, such as replacing a lost card ($7.50) or getting a paper statement ($1.50 per statement after the first one).
The Direct Express card is useful if you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use one. It also gives you a physical card to carry, which some people find easier than remembering account numbers. However, if you lose the card, you will need to report it and request a replacement, which takes about five to seven business days.
How to switch from checks to electronic payment
You can change your payment method online, by phone, or in person. The fastest way is to log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov and update your payment information yourself. You will need to enter your bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit, or request a Direct Express card through the same portal.
If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative. They will ask for your bank information or help you request a Direct Express card. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person, though this usually takes longer than calling or using the website.
Once you submit your new payment method, it typically takes one to two months to take effect. Social Security will send you a confirmation letter with your new payment date. During the transition, you may receive one final check, and then all future payments will go to your new method. Make sure your information is correct before you submit it — a wrong account number will cause your payment to be returned.
What happens if you want to keep receiving checks
If you have been receiving checks and want to continue, you can request a waiver from the requirement to switch. You must submit this request in writing to your local Social Security office or mail it to the address on your Social Security statement. The waiver is not automatic — Social Security will review your request and may ask you to explain why you need to keep checks.
Social Security may grant a waiver if you have a legitimate reason, such as not having access to a bank account or not being able to use electronic payment due to a disability. However, the agency does not may provide that every waiver request will be approved. If your request is denied, you will be notified in writing and told what your options are.
Even if you have a waiver, Social Security encourages you to switch to electronic payment when you can. Checks are slower and less secure, and the agency is gradually phasing them out. If you change your circumstances — for example, if you open a bank account — you can update your payment method at any time.
Protecting your payment information and account security
Whether you use direct deposit or a Direct Express card, keep your account information private. Do not share your routing number, account number, or card number with anyone you do not trust. Social Security will never ask you for this information by email or phone — if someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your account details, it is a scam.
If you use direct deposit, monitor your bank account regularly to make sure your payment arrives on time. If a payment is missing or late, contact your bank first to confirm the deposit did not go through. Then contact Social Security to report the problem. If you use a Direct Express card, check your balance regularly and report any unauthorized transactions to Comerica immediately.
If your Direct Express card is lost or stolen, call Comerica at 1-866-656-5050 right away to report it. They will freeze the card and issue a replacement. If your bank account is compromised, contact your bank to close the account and open a new one, then update your Social Security payment information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive my Social Security payment on a regular prepaid card instead of Direct Express?
No. Social Security only offers direct deposit to bank accounts or credit unions, or the Direct Express card. You cannot use other prepaid cards, PayPal, or money transfer services. If you do not have a bank account, Direct Express is your option.
What if I miss the deadline to switch from checks?
There is no hard deadline. If you are still receiving checks, you can continue to do so as long as you have an approved waiver. However, Social Security is phasing out checks, so it is worth switching when you can. If your waiver expires or is not renewed, you will be required to choose direct deposit or Direct Express.
How long does it take for my first electronic payment to arrive after I switch?
It usually takes one to two months for the change to take effect. During this time, you may receive one final check. Once the switch is complete, your payment will arrive on the same day each month, typically within one to two business days of the payment date.
Can I split my Social Security payment between two bank accounts?
No. Social Security only allows one payment method at a time. Your entire benefit must go to either one bank account or your Direct Express card. You cannot divide it between multiple accounts.
What if I do not have a bank account and do not want a Direct Express card?
You will need to request a waiver to continue receiving checks. Contact your local Social Security office or mail a written request explaining why you cannot use electronic payment. Social Security will review your request, but there is no may provide it will be approved.