Starting in September, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will end all paper checks for benefit payments. This is a long-term effort to change how benefits are sent, so they are faster, more sure, and less easy to be lost or stolen.
This change is big for many who have used paper checks for many years, but it will make sure all get their Social Security benefits safely and without delay. The SSA urges all who get paper checks now to switch to electronic payments. There are two choices.
Switch to Electronic Payments: SSA Phasing Out Paper Checks
The first and most used is direct deposit into a bank account. In direct deposit, people get their benefits paid automatically into their checking or savings account on the date of the pay. Many think this is the fastest and most sure way to get Social Security money.
If people do not have a bank account, the SSA has the Direct Express prepaid debit card that acts like a debit card and is a simple and sure way to get money electronically. To make the move to electronic payments, people need to take some steps.
To set up direct deposit, beneficiaries need to collect the banking info, including their account number and routing number. This info can be given online at the SSA’s official website, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
When signed up, the money will be sent to the account the person picked on the usual date of pay, and they will not have to wait for a paper check to come in the mail. People who do not have a bank account or want to not use one can use the Direct Express card. To get a card, beneficiaries can apply online or over the phone.
A better way to claim your Social Security payment
The card lets people get Social Security payments right to it, take out cash at ATMs, and buy things where debit cards are used. The Direct Express program also has customer care to help with account issues, lost or stolen cards, and other problems.
The SSA also wants people to make sure their info for contact is right with the SSA. This is their current addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses if they have any. Up-to-date info is needed to get notices, updates, and steps to take for the switch.
Missing or wrong info could cause delays in getting benefits or having difficulties with the change. The SSA wants people to start this move before the end date for paper checks. It helps to plan to avoid delays in getting benefits and help with any issues that might happen with signing up.
If they do not do the move on time, people may get delays in getting their benefits when paper checks are no longer used.