How are social security payments made?

As of March 1, 2013, the Social Security Administration stopped issuing paper checks and started making most of its payments via direct deposit. These direct deposits go to recipient bank accounts or Direct Express debit cards.

The Direct Express debit card is accepted everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted. Social Security recipients use these to receive direct deposits without a personal checking or savings account at a bank or credit union.

Social Security recipients who were at least 90 years of age at the time of the change are the only individuals allowed to still receive a check in the mail.