Social Security stopped mailing new paper checks in 2023, and the agency is phasing out checks entirely by 2024

If you receive Social Security payments and still use a paper check, you need to switch to either a bank account or a prepaid card before your checks stop arriving. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is no longer issuing new checks to anyone, and existing check recipients must move to electronic payment. This is not optional — it is a requirement to keep receiving your benefits without interruption.

You have two choices: direct deposit to a checking or savings account, or a Direct Express prepaid debit card issued by Comerica. Both methods deposit your payment on the same schedule you currently receive it. The switch itself takes a few minutes, and you can start the process online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.

Key Takeaways

  • Paper checks are being phased out completely, and the SSA will no longer mail them after a important date that varies by payment type — contact SSA directly to learn your specific date.
  • Direct deposit to your own bank account is free and the fastest way to receive your payment, usually arriving one to two business days before the scheduled payment date.
  • Direct Express is a prepaid debit card for people without a bank account, and it charges fees for certain transactions like ATM withdrawals and balance inquiries.
  • You can change your payment method online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
  • If you miss the important date and your checks stop, you must switch to electronic payment to resume receiving benefits — the SSA will not restart check payments.

Direct Deposit to Your Bank Account

Direct deposit is the simplest option if you have a checking or savings account at a bank, credit union, or online bank. Your payment arrives electronically on your scheduled payment date, and you can use it when ready without waiting for mail delivery or a trip to the bank. There is no cost to set up or use direct deposit.

To set up direct deposit, you will need your bank's routing number and your account number. Both appear on a check, or you can call your bank to ask. You can start the process through my Social Security (the SSA's online portal at ssa.gov), by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a Social Security office. The change usually takes one to three business days to take effect, though the SSA recommends allowing up to two weeks before your first electronic payment arrives.

If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks and credit unions with minimal requirements — some offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee. Many libraries and community centers also offer free help opening a bank account if you need information with the process.

Direct Express Prepaid Debit Card

Direct Express is a prepaid debit card managed by Comerica, designed specifically for people who receive federal benefits and do not have a bank account. Your Social Security payment deposits directly to the card each month, and you can use it to make purchases, pay bills online, or withdraw cash at ATMs. The card itself is free, but Comerica charges fees for certain transactions.

Common Direct Express fees include $1.50 for each ATM withdrawal outside the MoneyPass network (a large ATM network with thousands of locations), $2.50 for a replacement card, and $1 for a balance inquiry at an ATM. There is no fee for purchases at stores, online bill pay, or checking your balance online or by phone. You can request a Direct Express card by calling 1-888-897-2377 or visiting the Direct Express website.

If you already use Direct Express, you do not need to do anything — your payments will continue automatically. If you are switching from checks to Direct Express, the SSA can set it up for you, or you can request the card directly from Comerica and provide your new card number to Social Security.

How to Change Your Payment Method Online

The fastest way to switch payment methods is through my Social Security, the SSA's online account portal. You will need to create an account or log in if you already have one. Go to ssa.gov, select "my Social Security," and sign in with your username and password, or create a new account using your email address and a password you choose.

Once logged in, select "Manage Your Benefits," then "Change Your Payment Method." You will see your current payment method and options to switch to direct deposit or Direct Express. If you choose direct deposit, enter your bank's routing number and your account number. If you choose Direct Express, you can explore for a card or enter an existing card number. The change takes effect within one to three business days.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online portal, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person — find yours at ssa.gov/locator.

What Happens If You Miss the important date

The important date to switch from paper checks varies depending on when you started receiving checks and your payment type. The SSA mailed notices to all check recipients with their specific important date. If you cannot find your notice, call 1-800-772-1213 and provide your Social Security number — a representative will tell you your important date date.

If your important date passes and you have not switched to electronic payment, your checks will stop arriving. The SSA will not resume mailing checks under any circumstances. To restart your payments, you must switch to either direct deposit or Direct Express. Once you make the change, your next payment will arrive on your regular payment date.

If you are concerned you will miss the important date, switch now rather than waiting. There is no penalty for switching early, and you can always change your payment method again later if you need to.

Protecting Your Account Information

When you set up direct deposit or Direct Express, you are sharing banking information with the SSA. Keep your my Social Security password find and do not share it with anyone. The SSA will never ask for your password by email or phone — if someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for sensitive information, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

For direct deposit, only provide your routing and account number to the SSA through the official my Social Security website or by calling the official SSA number. Do not enter this information on websites that claim to help you switch payment methods, as these may be scams.

If you use Direct Express, monitor your card activity regularly through the Direct Express website or mobile app, or by calling 1-888-897-2377. Report any unauthorized transactions to Comerica when ready — federal law limits your liability for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account for direct deposit?

Yes. Direct deposit works with both checking and savings accounts. Savings accounts may have limits on how many transfers you can make per month, but Social Security deposits do not count toward that limit in most cases — contact your bank to confirm.

What if I do not have a bank account and do not want Direct Express?

You will need to open a bank account or use Direct Express to receive your benefits. The SSA will not mail checks after the important date. Many banks and credit unions offer free or low-cost accounts, and some community organizations offer free help opening an account if cost is a barrier.

How long does it take for my first electronic payment to arrive after I switch?

The change to your payment method takes one to three business days to process. Your next payment will arrive on your regular scheduled payment date. The SSA recommends allowing up to two weeks before your first electronic deposit, though most arrive sooner.

Can I change my payment method more than once?

Yes. You can switch between direct deposit and Direct Express as many times as you need to. Each change takes one to three business days to take effect. If you are switching payment methods, do so at least a week before your next scheduled payment date to avoid delays.

What if I lose my Direct Express card?

Call Comerica at 1-888-897-2377 to report the card lost or stolen. They will freeze the card when ready to prevent unauthorized use and mail you a replacement card, which costs $2.50. Your Social Security payments will continue to deposit to your account while you wait for the replacement card to arrive.