Will Social Security send a paper check if my husband has no checking account after online application?

SSA really doesn't like sending paper checks anymore. My brother tried to get paper checks last year and they basically forced him to get direct deposit. You should call them ASAP to add your banking info before his first payment processes.

SSA strongly prefers direct deposit, but they do offer a Direct Express debit card as an alternative for people without bank accounts. If you didn't provide banking information, they may automatically enroll him in the Direct Express program and send him a card in the mail. The benefit amount gets loaded onto the card each month. You should receive information about this in the mail if that's what they're doing. However, he can definitely use a savings account for direct deposit - it doesn't have to be a checking account. I'd recommend logging back into your my Social Security account online and adding the banking information there if possible, or visit your local SSA office in person to provide this information.

my mom had this EXACT same issue!!! they sent her a direct express card thing after like 3 weeks. its basicly a debit card that they load ur SS money on every month. she hates it tho cuz theres fees for some stuff & its not connected to her other accounts

I went through this last year. The SSA is trying to phase out paper checks completely. They'll automatically enroll him in Direct Express if you didn't provide bank info. It's actually not terrible - he can use it anywhere that accepts Mastercard. BUT, if you want to avoid this and use your savings account, you can add direct deposit info to his mySocialSecurity account online. You need to do this ASAP though - once they set up the Direct Express, it's more complicated to change it.

When I retired in 2023 I wanted paper checks because I don't trust the government having access to my bank account (they can take money out as easily as put it in!!!). They basically FORCED me to use direct deposit or that stupid card. It's all about control!!!

If you need to speak with someone at SSA quickly about this direct deposit issue, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation with my husband's application and couldn't get through on the regular line after days of trying. Claimyr got me connected to a real SSA agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I spoke with was able to add my husband's direct deposit information over the phone. Much easier than continuing to get disconnected or waiting for mail that might not come.

Looking at your timeline (application 3 weeks ago, FRA next month), you're actually in good shape. Even if SSA sends a Direct Express card by default, your husband can easily switch to direct deposit later by calling or visiting an office. The important thing is that his application is in process before his FRA, which means he won't lose any benefits. A few options: 1. Wait for mail about the Direct Express card (likely coming soon) 2. Try calling the SSA early morning (right when they open at 8am) when wait times are shorter 3. Visit a local SSA office in person with your husband's ID and bank information 4. Open a joint checking account that you can both access Whatever you do, don't worry about the first payment being delayed - this is a common situation.

btw you should know they don't make the first SS payment right ON your birthday month. My dad had to wait until the month AFTER he turned 66 to get his first payment. something about how they pay for the previous month or something weird like that

Update: We received the Direct Express card in the mail yesterday! Just as many of you predicted. We're going to use it for now and then go to the local SSA office next month to see about switching to direct deposit once we set up a joint checking account. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!