The way many people receive their Social Security benefits is changing. For most beneficiaries, paper Social Security checks will be fully replaced by electronic payments, such as direct deposit or a prepaid debit card.

If you already receive your Social Security benefits electronically, you likely don't need to do anything. But if you still get a hard-copy check in the mail, it's important to understand how this change could affect you.

Learn about who is affected by this change, how to switch to Social Security electronic payments, and when you may qualify for a waiver.

Switch to Social Security Electronic Payments: Quick Guide

Why is Social Security switching to electronic payments? 

As required by Executive Order 14247, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is moving to electronic payments to combat check fraud, ensure timely payments, and save taxpayers money. This decision followed a major spike in fraud, theft, and other problems involving paper checks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to the executive order, "…Department of the Treasury checks are 16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than an electronic funds transfer (EFT).”

In general, Social Security electronic payments are:

• Faster and more convenient: Your benefits are deposited directly into your account on your scheduled payment date—no need to worry about mail delays or misplaced checks. And you don’t have to stand in line to deposit or cash your paper check every month.
• More secure: Electronic transfers go directly into your account on a set schedule, eliminating concerns like mail theft and check forgery,.
• Easier to replace: If there's an issue with your payment, electronic deposits are generally easier to trace and resolve than lost or stolen paper checks.
• Safer during emergencies: You can continue receiving your benefits even if your local mail service is disrupted by severe weather or other emergencies.
• Less costly: Printing and mailing paper checks costs the federal government far more than sending electronic payments. According to the U.S. Treasury, switching to electronic payments could save millions of taxpayer dollars each year.

Who is affected by the switch to Social Security electronic payments? 

This transition applies to anyone receiving federal benefit payments, including the major Social Security-run programs: 

• Social Security retirement benefits
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits
• Social Security survivors benefits
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments

Do I need to do anything?

It depends on how you currently receive your Social Security benefits:

• If you already receive your benefits by direct bank deposit or on a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®: You don't need to do anything. Your payments should continue as usual.
• If you still receive a paper check by mail: You'll likely need to switch to one of the approved electronic payment methods unless you qualify for an exception.

When will paper checks end? Social Security expects to completely switch over to electronic payments by the end of 2026. If you still get your monthly benefits by mail, you should change to an approved electronic payment method as soon as possible unless you qualify for a waiver.

How do I switch my Social Security payment to direct deposit?

Signing up for direct deposit is pretty straightforward and doesn’t take much time. First, decide which account you want your Social Security electronic payments to be deposited in. Have your bank's routing number, your account number, and your Social Security number handy.

Then, follow these steps:

• Log in to your personal my Social Security account to update your payment information. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one. 
• Enter your bank account information to receive your benefits by direct deposit.
• Your bank or credit union may also be able to send your direct deposit information to Social Security electronically.

You can also enroll by phone by calling the Treasury's Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1-800-333-1795 or Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time. If you prefer in-person help, visit your local Social Security office. Find an office near you. 

Once direct deposit is set up, your monthly benefits will be deposited automatically into your account on your scheduled payment date. Visit GoDirect.gov to learn more.

What if I don't have a bank account?

You don't need a traditional bank account to receive Social Security electronic payments. If you don't have a checking or savings account, you may be able to receive your monthly benefits on a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®. Your regular benefits will be automatically loaded onto a safe and convenient prepaid debit card each month. You can use this card to make purchases, pay bills, or even take out cash from participating ATMs. To enroll in Direct Express®, call 1-800-333-1795 or visit www.usdirectexpress.com.

If you're not sure which option is best for you, Social Security can explain your choices and help you get started.

Are electronic payments safe?

In general, yes. Electronic payments are typically considered safer than paper checks because they reduce the risk of mail theft, lost or delayed checks, and check fraud. Your Social Security benefits are transferred directly into your bank account or loaded onto your Direct Express® card, so there's no paper check that could be stolen from your mailbox.

That said, it's still important to protect your personal information through safe digital habits, says Jessica Johnston, NCOA Senior Strategist for Economic Well-Being. “Scammers are opportunistic and often take advantage of changes involving government benefits,” she says. “Imposter scams are rampant, where scammers pretend to be from Social Security or your bank and claim you need to ‘verify’ your information or pay a fee to continue receiving your benefits. You really want to stay vigilant.”

The tips below can help you protect your personal information when receiving electronic payments from Social Security:

• Use strong passwords for all of your online accounts. See our password guide for tips.
• Monitor your bank accounts and immediately report any suspicious transactions. 
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages asking for your Social Security number, bank account information, or passwords. If someone says you must pay a fee to "set up" your benefits, that’s a scam red flag. Social Security will never ask you to pay a fee to enroll in direct deposit.
• Do not click on links or open attachments from unexpected messages. It could be a phishing scam, where a scammer tries to steal your personal information.
• If you're not sure whether a Social Security communication is the real thing, do not respond directly to the message. Instead, contact SSA using its official phone number or website.
• Talk with someone you trust, like a close friend or family member, if you’re uncertain about a request involving your Social Security benefits.

Pausing to verify information takes only a few moments, but it can help protect you from scams that could cost you far more than time. Learn more about Social Security scams.

Can I get an exemption or waiver?

Maybe. Depending on your situation, you might be able to request an electronic payments waiver that allows you to keep receiving paper checks. For example, you may be granted a waiver if you live in a rural area and can’t easily access banking services.

If you think you may qualify for an electronic payments waiver, call the U.S. Treasury at 1-877-874-6347 to learn who’s eligible and how to apply.

Make the switch to electronic payments today

For most Social Security beneficiaries, the transition to electronic payments will be simple (or may have already happened). If you already receive your benefits by direct deposit or on a Direct Express® card, you don't need to do anything.

If you still receive paper checks, though, now is a good time to review your options. Setting up direct deposit or Direct Express® will give you peace of mind and help protect your budget. "Switching now ensures you receive your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income quickly and securely," the Social Security Administration writes on its website.

And if electronic payments would create a hardship for you, ask Social Security if you may qualify for an electronic payments waiver.