What the Social Security payment transition means for you
Social Security is phasing out paper checks and requiring most recipients to receive payments through direct deposit or a debit card instead. If you currently get a paper check, you will need to switch to one of these digital methods by a specific date or your payments will stop. The important date varies depending on your age and when you started receiving benefits, but the transition is happening now and affects millions of people.
This is not optional for new beneficiaries — anyone who starts receiving Social Security after May 1, 2011 must use direct deposit or a debit card from the start. For people already receiving paper checks, Social Security has set rolling important date based on your birth month. Missing your important date means your payment will not arrive, and you will have to contact Social Security to restart it.
Key Takeaways
- Paper checks are being phased out; you must switch to direct deposit or a debit card by your assigned important date or payments will stop.
- Your important date depends on your birth month and when you started receiving benefits — check your Social Security statement or call 1-800-772-1213 to find your specific date.
- Direct deposit to your bank account is free and the fastest way to receive money; a debit card issued by MetaBank is also free but has monthly maintenance fees if you do not meet activity requirements.
- You can set up direct deposit online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office using your bank routing and account numbers.
- If you miss your important date, contact Social Security when ready to switch methods and restart your payments — there is no automatic recovery period.
Direct deposit versus the Social Security debit card
You have two choices: direct deposit into a bank or credit union account, or a debit card called the Direct Express card. Direct deposit is faster and has no fees. The money lands in your account on the same day Social Security sends it, usually the third, fourth, or fifth of the month depending on your birth date. You need your bank's routing number and your account number to set it up.
The Direct Express card is a prepaid debit card issued by MetaBank. Payments arrive on the same schedule as direct deposit. The card itself is free, but MetaBank charges a monthly maintenance fee of $2 unless you meet one of these conditions: you receive at least two direct deposits per month, you make at least 30 debit card transactions per month, or you maintain a minimum balance of $500. Many people on fixed Social Security income find the monthly fee adds up, so direct deposit is usually the better choice if your bank account is open.
If you do not have a bank account and cannot open one, the Direct Express card may be your only option. Some banks and credit unions have accounts with no minimum balance and low or no fees — worth asking about before you assume you cannot use direct deposit.
How to set up direct deposit online or by phone
The easiest way is online at ssa.gov using your Social Security account. Log in, go to "Manage Your Benefits," and select "Change How You Get Paid." You will enter your bank routing number and account number. Social Security will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account within one to two business days, then you confirm those amounts online to complete the setup. The whole process takes about five minutes if you have your bank information ready.
If you do not have a Social Security online account, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. If you prefer not to use the website, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and a representative will walk you through setting up direct deposit over the phone. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person with your bank information and a photo ID.
Once you set up direct deposit, it usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect. Do not throw away your paper check until you see the deposit hit your account — Social Security sometimes processes the change slower than expected. If your important date is approaching and you are worried about timing, call Social Security to confirm your setup was successful.
What happens if you miss your important date
If your important date passes and you have not switched to direct deposit or a debit card, Social Security will stop sending your check. Your benefits do not disappear — they are held in a suspense account — but you will not receive any money until you contact Social Security and complete the switch. There is no grace period and no automatic restart.
Call 1-800-772-1213 as soon as you realize you missed the important date. Have your bank information ready if you are switching to direct deposit, or be prepared to request the Direct Express card. Social Security will process your request and resume payments, but there may be a delay of one to two pay periods while the new method is set up. You will not receive back pay for the months you missed — that money is lost.
If you cannot call or visit an office, ask a trusted family member or representative to contact Social Security on your behalf. You can also visit your local Social Security office with your ID and bank information to set up direct deposit in person.
Finding your specific important date
Your important date is based on your birth month and the type of benefit you receive. Social Security mailed notices to everyone affected, but if you lost yours or cannot find it, you can look it up online. Log into your Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount and check your statement — it will show your important date if you are still on paper checks.
If you do not have an online account, call 1-800-772-1213 and provide your Social Security number and date of birth. A representative will tell you your important date over the phone. You can also visit your local Social Security office and ask a staff member to look it up for you. Write down your important date and put it somewhere visible so you do not forget.
Switching from paper checks if you have already missed the important date
If you are currently not receiving payments because you missed your important date, the process to restart is the same as setting up direct deposit for the first time. Contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213, online at ssa.gov/myaccount, or in person at your local office. Tell them you want to switch to direct deposit or request a Direct Express card. Have your bank routing and account number ready, or be prepared to provide your mailing address if you are requesting the debit card.
After you submit your request, Social Security will process it and your payments will resume within one to two pay periods. You will not receive the payments you missed while your account was suspended — those funds are not recovered. The sooner you contact Social Security after missing a payment, the sooner your benefits will restart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a prepaid card or savings account instead of a bank account?
Most prepaid cards and savings accounts work with direct deposit as long as they have a routing number and account number. Call your card or account provider to confirm they accept Social Security direct deposits, and ask for the routing and account numbers you need to provide to Social Security. The Direct Express card is the only prepaid option Social Security officially supports if you cannot use a traditional bank account.
What if I do not have a bank account and cannot get one?
The Direct Express card is designed for this situation. It is free to obtain and you can use it to receive your Social Security payments. Be aware of the $2 monthly maintenance fee unless you meet the activity requirements. Some community banks and credit unions offer accounts with no minimum balance or fees — worth exploring before you assume you cannot open an account.
Will I lose any payments during the switch to direct deposit?
No, as long as you switch before your important date. Your payments will continue on schedule once direct deposit is set up. If you miss your important date, payments stop and you must contact Social Security to restart them — you will not receive back pay for the months you missed.
Can someone else set up direct deposit for me?
Yes, if you give them permission. A family member, caregiver, or representative can call Social Security on your behalf or visit an office with a signed letter authorizing them to make changes to your account. You will still need to provide your bank information or agree to the Direct Express card.
What if my bank account closes after I set up direct deposit?
Contact Social Security when ready to update your account with a new bank's routing and account numbers, or switch to the Direct Express card. If you do not update your information, your payment will be rejected and you will not receive it. Social Security will try to redeposit the money, but it is your responsibility to fix the problem quickly.