Social Security Is Ending Paper Checks: What Beneficiaries Should Know

People who still receive Social Security benefits by mail should get ready for a shift to electronic payments as paper checks are being phased out.

The Social Security Administration says it intends to finish converting beneficiaries to electronic payments by the end of the year.

Federal law and Executive Order 14247 require federal benefit payments to be made electronically, with only limited exceptions.

If you are still getting your benefit by paper check, the agency is urging you to make the switch to electronic delivery as soon as possible.

“Switching now ensures you receive your Social Security or Supplemental Security income quickly and securely,” the administration said in a recent news release.

How do I switch my Social Security from paper checks to electronic?

Beneficiaries can create or log in to their Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and enter their bank account information to receive payments through direct deposit.

The administration also says people can ask their financial institution to send direct deposit details to the Social Security Administration electronically.

For those without a bank account, electronic payments are available through a prepaid debit card offered through the Direct Express program. More information is available at godirect.gov.

In “extremely rare circumstances,” some people may qualify for an exception to the electronic-payment requirement, according to the Social Security Administration. Those who need to request a waiver can contact the U.S. Treasury at 855-290-1545.