Are social security checks mailed or direct deposited
In the United States, Social Security benefits can be received in one of two ways: by direct deposit or by paper check.
Direct Deposit: The majority of Social Security beneficiaries (around 90%) receive their benefits through direct deposit. This means that the Social Security Administration (SSA) deposits the funds directly into their bank account. Direct deposit is a convenient and secure way to receive benefits, as it eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks. To set up direct deposit, beneficiaries can:
- Log in to their my Social Security account online.
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Visit their local SSA office.
Paper Check: A smaller percentage of beneficiaries (around 10%) still receive their benefits by paper check. Paper checks are mailed to the beneficiary's address on file with the SSA. If a beneficiary prefers to receive a paper check, they can:
- Log in to their my Social Security account online.
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Visit their local SSA office.
It's worth noting that the SSA is encouraging beneficiaries to switch to direct deposit, as it's a more convenient and secure way to receive benefits. Additionally, direct deposit can help reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud.