Can Social Security checks be received in the mail?

Social Security checks can indeed be received in the mail, but the correct understanding is that the preferred method of payment by the Social Security Administration is through direct deposit. While it is possible for some recipients to receive their payments via paper checks, most individuals are encouraged to utilize direct deposit for various reasons, including convenience, security, and timeliness of payment.

The Social Security Administration has made direct deposit more accessible and has prioritized it as the standard method for disbursing benefits. Individuals can also choose to receive payments on a debit card, which further underscores the shift away from paper checks. It's important to note that the SSA does not allow paper checks for all beneficiaries, particularly for those who are newly eligible for benefits after a certain date, as they are automatically set up for direct deposit.

While some beneficiaries may still receive checks based on specific circumstances, the overarching policy clearly favors direct deposit as the primary means of receiving Social Security payments.