Federal law mandates that all Federal benefit payments – including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits – must be made electronically.
There are two ways you can receive your benefits:
Direct Deposit is the best electronic payment option for you because it is:
If you are applying for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits, you must elect to receive your benefit payment electronically when you enroll. If you currently receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits by check, you must switch to an electronic payment option listed above.
To learn more about how to easily switch from a paper check to an electronic payment option, visit Treasury’s Go Direct website or call the Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1-800-333-1795. You can also create a my Social Security account and start or change Direct Deposit online. To learn more about opening a bank account, please visit FDIC: GetBanked - Learn How to Open an Account at an FDIC-Insured Bank.
In extremely rare circumstances, Treasury may grant exceptions to the electronic payment mandate. For more information or to request a waiver, call Treasury at 855-290-1545. You may also print and fill out a waiver form and return it to the address on the form.
If you have any questions, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
my Social Security account and start or change Direct Deposit online. You also can sign up at your bank, credit union, or savings and loan.
Or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).