Social Security Benefits Move Fully Electronic March 1, 2013

The U.S. Social Security Administration has a new policy which eliminates the option for Social Security and SSI recipients to receive their benefits in the form of paper checks beginning on March 1, 2013. Recipients will continue to have the option to use direct deposit for their benefits or they may choose to receive a “Direct Express Debit Card.”

The debit card is automatically loaded with a recipient’s benefits on the appropriate payment day of each month. The card is not associated with the recipient’s bank account and funds cannot be added to the card by the card holder.

The change applies to Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans Affairs benefits, and anyone who receives benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management and Department of Labor (Black Lung).