How are social security checks deposited?

When Social Security started paying Social Security benefits, it sent out mailed checks to beneficiaries. However, this approach was less secure, since checks could get lost or stolen before they reached the intended recipient. However, since March 1, 2013, Social Security changed how beneficiaries receive their Social Security checks.

Social Security checks are paid directly into the eligible beneficiary's bank account, or loaded onto a Direct Express debit card. You don’t need a bank account to use the Direct Express debit card option. Both payment options make benefits payments more secure, eliminate the need for paper checks, and save the SSA money in mailing costs.

How Social Security checks are paid

Social Security no longer mails paper checks to beneficiaries, but it pays benefits electronically. Here are the two main methods you can use to receive Social Security checks:

Direct deposit

You can receive the Social Security payments as a direct deposit to your bank account.

Direct Express debit card

Anyone receiving Social Security payments can enroll for a Direct Express debit card and have benefits paid directly to the debit card. You can use the Direct Express debit card to make purchases, pay bills, or receive cash. 

You can also use it in places that accept card payments such as ATMs or cash back at grocery stores or set up automatic payments of your bills. Please keep in mind that some debit card transactions may incur fees.

How do I set up direct deposit to my Social Security checks?

When signing up for the regular Social Security benefits or SSI benefits, you can choose to receive your Social Security payments electronically. To do this, you must log into your My Social Security account.

If you don’t have a Social Security account, you must create an account on the Social Security website before you can set up direct deposit for your Social Security checks. Setting up the account can take about 10 minutes, and you will need your Social Security number, and a bank statement showing your bank account number, bank routing number, and type of account (checking or savings account).

Once you set up an account, follow these steps to set up a direct deposit as your preferred payment method:

Log into your My Social Security account

On the right side of your screen, click the blue "Benefits & Payment Details" link.

Scroll to the bottom and click the "Update Direct Deposit" button.

You must also specify whether you are the sole or joint bank account owner.

Enter your banking information and click "Next."

Review and verify your bank account information and "Submit" and "Done."

Select whether you want the changes to take effect right away or at a later set time.

When are Social Security benefits paid?

Social Security payment dates are based on your birthday, and may be as follows:

Second Wednesday

If your birthday falls from the 1 to the 10, you will receive Social Security benefits on the second Wednesday.

Third Wednesday

If you were born between the 11 and 20, you will receive Social Security benefits on the third Wednesday.

Fourth Wednesday

If your birthday falls between the 21 to the 31, your benefits will be sent out on the fourth Wednesday.  

However, the payment date may vary if your birthday falls on a federal public holiday. In this case, Social Security will pay benefits a business day before the expected payment date. If you are eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your benefits will be made on the first day of each month.

What time frame do Social Security checks cover?

Social security pays benefits in arrears, usually the following month after the month the payments are due. So, if you're expecting a check for June, it will arrive in July. Additionally, Social Security payments may vary at the start of the year when payments are adjusted to keep up with inflation. These adjustments are known as the cost of living adjustments, which are calculated in October but take effect in January.

Why did I receive two Social Security checks this month?

The most common reason an individual can receive two Social Security checks in a month is that they are eligible to receive both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI benefits. This may happen because Social Security administers several benefits programs, and each program has its eligibility criteria and monthly payment amounts. Depending on which benefits you are eligible to receive, you may receive two Social Security checks in the same month.

To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must have met the minimum requirements for disability benefits and accumulate enough work credits depending on your age. On the other hand, SSI is a needs-based program that pays benefits to individuals with limited resources and income.

Why is my Social Security check late?

Social Security pays benefits on time, usually within 90 days of being approved for benefits. However, in some instances, your benefits could delay if there is an error in processing your benefits.

Here are some errors that could delay your benefits payment:

You provided incorrect information on your application or changes to your address were not properly recorded.

Slow processing of your payment by the SSA.

If you suspect that the delay could be due to a change in your personal details such as address and bank account information, you should contact Social Security via phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can call Monday through Friday between 7.00 am to 7.00 pm.

Benefits of electronic Social Security payments

Quick

If you decide to have the Social Security payments sent directly to your bank account, you will receive your funds sooner instead of having to stand in line to cash your check.

Safe and convenient

With direct deposit, there is no risk of your check getting lost in the mail. Payments are made directly to your bank account, and you can access your funds immediately.

Saves time

If you decide to have payments sent electronically to your bank account, you won't have to wait for the check to arrive to access your money. You also avoid the additional expenses of handling a check.