Social Security Administration to Stop Sending Paper Checks
The Social Security Administration, or SSA, provides benefits to disabled citizens who can no longer work. For decades, the SSA has paid these benefits by sending a physical check in the mail to each recipient.
Starting in May 2011, however, the SSA will no longer provide paper checks to new enrollees. Those who start receiving Social Security benefit payments after May 1, 2011 may only receive their benefits by an electronic system - not by receiving a paper check in the mail.
People receiving Social Security benefits have two options for receiving electronic benefits. The first is to have the money sent directly to a checking or savings account. To do this, recipients will have to provide the SSA with their account number and routing number, available from the bank. The second option is to receive a prepaid “Direct Express” debit card to access the payments.
The change is part of a larger re-designing of the Social Security disability benefits system, the goal of which is to eliminate paper checks entirely by 2013. About 80 percent of those who are currently receiving benefits already get them by electronic transfer. Those who still receive paper checks, however, have until May 2013 to switch to the electronic system. The SSA website at godirect.org has been set up to help people make the change.
Social Security disability benefits are available for people who have suffered a disability that prevents them from working at least one year or will result in their death. The disability may be due to illness, injury, genetic conditions, or a combination of these factors. An experienced Missouri Social Security disability check attorney can help you navigate the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits.
